Elizabeth Ann Edwards

Elizabeth Ann Johns Mansfield Edwards
September 24,1926 - April 19, 2019

Born and raised in San Jose, California, Betty was the only child of Edgar and Florence Johns. She grew up among the fruit orchards of Willow Glen.

She met her first husband, Robert “Dick” Mansfield, on the beach at the Santa Cruz boardwalk. They were married in Monterey, CA on September 23, 1950.

When Dick was hired as a newly minted teacher, they moved to Davis where Betty lived for the rest of her life. Betty made many lifelong friends in the early years in Davis. She kept busy raising her two kids, Richard “Dick” and Marianne Mansfield.

She returned to the workforce as her kids were growing up, working in the office of Undergraduate Admissions at UC Davis until her retirement in March 1991. Upon retirement, Betty continued to enjoy her bridge groups, playing golf, reading, traveling and being a grandmother.

She remained active, going to the gym regularly. On one visit to her gym, she noticed a nice looking man who had his eyes on her as well. With the help of the receptionist at the gym, they were introduced. On June 8, 2002, Betty and Eulis “Red” Edwards were married. They remained devoted to each other until Red’s death in February 2014.

Betty maintained her love of card games, her sense of style and her sense of humor until the last days of her life.

She is survived by: her son Dick and daughter-in-law Gail Martinez of Davis, daughter Marianne Mansfield and son-in-law Neil Putnam of Louisville, CO; grandchildren; Margot Mansfield of Woburn, MA, Richard Mansfield of Hong Kong, China and Mollie Putnam of Melbourne, Australia.

Her family is grateful for the care and support of the staff at Atria Covell Gardens and Yolo Hospice in addition to the care of Allison Alcalay, MD and caregivers, Effie Baeza, Lori Lowell and Izabella Hudziak.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 2 p.m. on Saturday May 25 at Atria Covell Gardens, 1111 Alvarado Avenue, Davis, CA.