Elizabeth L Lilly

Elizabeth "Betty" (Avila) Lilly, passed away April 20, 2017 after a year-long battle with cancer.
She was born November 11, 1933 in Modesto, CA to parents Joe and Louise Avila and sisters Barbara (Riley) and Marion "Bebe" (Amador). She was raised on dairies in the Salida, Modesto and Hughson areas and graduated from Hughson High School. She attended U.C. Davis, where she studied Home Economics and obtained her teaching credential. It was at U.C. Davis that she met Jim Lilly, her husband of 60 years.
Betty had a 30 year teaching career, most of which was at continuation high schools in Modesto. After retiring, she taught English as a second language to adults. She was an active volunteer through 4-H, church, and most recently, making sandwiches for the United Samaritans Foundation. She enjoyed gardening, family gatherings, and spending time at their mountain cabin. She was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, the Young Ladies Institute and the Empire Get Together Club.
Betty is survived by her husband, Jim Lilly, daughters Monica (Robert) Ramos, Theresa (Kevin) Locke, Mary Ann Lee, and Susan Lilly; and son, Joe Lilly. She leaves twelve grandchildren, John, Frank, Christina, Caitlin, Kirsten, Brian, Jason, Emily, Stacey, Jacob, Grace and Olivia. She will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 27 at 5 p.m. with rosary to follow at 7 p.m. at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1200 Maze Blvd., Modesto. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, April 28 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Hughson,  7820 Fox Rd., Hughson CA 95326.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to a charity of your choice , or to the Betty Lilly Continuation Education Scholarship Fund in care of the Stanislaus Community Foundation, 1029 16th St., Modesto, CA, 95354.