Betty was born on a small farm in Paris Crossing, Indiana, to parents Jesse Cook, and Anna (Humphrey) Cook. Later in life, she would often comment that these early years in rural Indiana were among the happiest times of her life. Father Jesse maintained a bountiful vegetable garden from which the family feasted in summer. Her father's specialty, and Betty's favorite, were the summer beefsteak and heirloom tomatoes that grew in great abundance. What wasn't eaten was canned and put in the pantry for the winter months. In the colder months, father Jesse would set a number of rabbit snares in the nearby woods. Early the following morning, little Betty would bundle up and go into the woods to collect the catch, and then head off to school in nearby Paris Crossing. Mother Anna maintained the chicken coop, which provided fresh eggs daily, and an occasional fried chicken dinner. Milk and fresh butter were provided by the family cows. Betty would later surmise that the whole, natural foods she ate on the farm were responsible for the remarkably good health she enjoyed until age began to overtake her. One of the great attributes Betty passed on to her children was a strong work ethic. At the age of 15, Betty got her first job; high-stacking containers at a nearby cannery. Due to her small size, she was hoisted aloft to work atop the mountains of container boxes that were out-of-reach to the men working below. Betty's first job in manufacturing came after graduation from high school. She would go on to excel in various capacities in the field of light electronics manufacturing. After moving to Ocean Beach in 1952 with husband Kenneth Phillips, and son Steve, Betty became the 30th employee of an upstart company located in a Quonset hut near Shelter Island. That company was Cubic Corporation, and the man who hired her, and sometimes drove her to work, was Cubic founder, Walter Zable. Cubic became a giant in elevators, and government and commercial manufacturing. After 16 years with Cubic, Betty went on to enjoy a long career in manufacturing with other San Diego companies until her retirement in 1998, at the age of 71. Never one to stay idle for long, she studied and obtained the proper credentials to become a florist. Betty's creative floral arrangements enhanced countless weddings and special events during these years. Betty had a lifelong, unshakable, faith in Jesus Christ and his teachings. She faced more than her fair share of adversity during her life, but nothing ever came close to driving a wedge between her and her faith in God. Her children and other family members who were with her through the dark times still marvel at her sheer toughness in the face of overwhelming odds. It was clear to all present that her strength emanated from her solid, core faith in Jesus, and his message of Love. Betty's first California church-home was the Ocean Beach Baptist Church, where she and her growing family attended from 1952, until 1968. She left Ocean Beach for the Skyline area of San Diego, where she became a prominent member of the Trinity Baptist congregation. Later, Betty became an active member of the Sonrise Church in Santee. Most recently, and to her great delight, she attended services at Scripture is Alive in La Mesa, where her son Jerry is Head Pastor. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, and four siblings: Jay Cook, Florence (Schill), Genevieve (McPeek), and Alice (Cochran). Betty is survived by her 5 children: Steve (Virginia), Donna, Jerry (Pat), Garry, and Patty. She also leaves 6 grandchildren: Amber, Curtis (Leah), Adelle, Joseph (Rebecca), Tyler, Easton, and 7 great-grandchildren. Mentioned here as surviving family members are the caregivers who loved and cared for Betty during her most difficult years: Maria Chomina, Lizy Galaviz, Martin Renteria, and Lizy's children, Kenji and Nicole, who brought joy into Betty's final days just by being there. Their tenderness and patience will never be forgotten. Also mentioned here as Betty's extended family is Youchay Peng, his wife Dara, and children Sanya, and Sophia. There will be a viewing and wake on Thursday, July 28, 2016, at Legacy Funeral Care, 7043 University Avenue in La Mesa, CA. Hours for the viewing are 4 pm – 8 pm. A graveside service for immediate family will take place the following morning at Singing Hills Memorial Park, El Cajon CA. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Scripture is Alive (Church of Christ), 5150 Jackson Drive, in La Mesa, CA. on Sunday, July 31st, at 5 pm.