Betty Jean Upton

Celebration of Life

Betty Jean Upton

December 23, 1936 - November 8, 2025

Born in 1936 in Leslie, Arkansas to Ras and Madge Bratton, Betty was known for her kindness, generosity and dedication to her children and grandchildren. Betty graduated from Coalinga High School and Coalinga College before moving to San Jose to attend San Jose State.

A Bay area resident for more than 40 years, Betty moved to Fresno after retiring from IBM in 1999. She enjoyed gardening, making crafts with her grandchildren, who affectionately called her Nana, and reconnecting with life-long friends from Coalinga.

She also loved to decorate for the holidays and knit afghans for family and friends. Her cozy blankets are treasured for their warmth and serve to remind us of Betty’s giving spirit. 

She is survived by daughters Michele Rodriguez and husband Bob, Lisa Cortese, Stephanie Gonzalez and husband John and Karen Westfield and husband John; eight grandchildren, Emily Loera, Abigail Rodriguez and husband Nico Anderson, Madalyn Thielen and husband Gabriel, Molly Cortese and husband Rhodri Tyrrell, Ben Rodriguez, Ethan Gonzalez, Gavin Westfield and Spencer Westfield; great-grandson Ryder Loera; and sister Faye Proulx.