Obituary of Betty Jane Wright

Betty Wright was the seventh of eight children born to Henry and Lillian Tangen. She was born January 9, 1939 in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was confirmed and received Christian education at Gethsemane Lutheran Church and School in St. Paul. She met her husband John in May of 1967 while he was on Navy leave. She accepted his proposal and they were married in San Diego on July 22, 1967. That started her adventures and service as a Navy wife, and they were many. She raised her children on her own during several of John’s deployments. Their tours of duty included three years of shore duty in Atsugi, Japan, Sea Duty while living at Lemoore, California for four years, shore duty on Pensacola, Florida and a final tour of Sea Duty in San Diego. Since settling down in San Diego, Betty has donated much time and work as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society (Reach -to-recovery program) As a two-time cancer survivor, Betty gave much support and comfort to newly diagnosed Breast Cancer patients. Betty has been a faithful, devoted member of St. James Lutheran Church, participating regularly in weekly bible class and prayer and praise meetings with her many close friends. She became active in water aerobics in recent years and leaves many close friends from those classes. They enjoyed many luncheons together and have remained faithful and loving friends to Betty. Until recent years, Betty was very active with her knitting and crochet and plastic canvas. She shared many of her handcrafted products with friends and family. Betty died peacefully at home with her daughter Brenda and husband John at her side on April 17, 2018. Much support was provided by her many friends from St. James and the water aerobics class. Betty is survived by her husband of fifty years, John; sons Gary Siers (Jeanette), Bennett Siers; Daughters Brenda Storey (Steve) and Diana Elling (Eddie Greene). Also survived by five grandchildren: Elizabeth Siers (Javaris Rutland), Dana Tellez, Allyson Storey (Abdul Wahidi), Christina Elling and Jimmy Elling; Great Grandchildren Tiara and Javaris Jr. Also survived by her brothers Carl Tangen (Joyce), Harold Tangen (Gloria), and Michael Tangen (Marlene). Plus, many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. She was pre-deceased by her parents and three brothers: Kenneth Tangen, Donald Tangen, Robert Tangen (Laverne); one sister, Rosemary Eisenmenger (Donald). And by her infant daughter, Roberta.