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Betty Bradley
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Betty Jean Bumgardner Bradley, 79, of Oakdale died suddenly on Monday, April 7 at her home.

She was born in Modesto to George and Gladys Bumgardner. She was raised in Modesto and graduated from Modesto High School in February 1947.

In May 1947 she married Stewart Bradley. They lived in the Modesto/Oakdale area all of their lives. She and her husband owned a peach ranch just east of Modesto for many years. They raised four children on the peach ranch.

Mrs. Bradley's favorite thing was big family gatherings such as birthdays and holidays; she was always ready. She and her husband were avid square dancers for many years. She enjoyed traveling and made a number of trips with their RV friends to the mountains, Yuma and to Baja Mexico. Her hobbies were collecting antiques and genealogy. She was very active in the Modesto 50 Plus Club, the McHenry Mansion Museum, and with the Calaveras Big Trees Association (life member). She was also a charter member of two antique clubs: Kettle Drum and the Modesto Antique Club.

She was a very giving person and provided long-term care in her home for three different family members. People will remember her most for her friendship. She made friends easily and kept them for life. She will be remembered for her strength, character, compassion, charm, grit, determination, and unconditional love. She was an inspiration.

She is survived by her loving husband of more than 60 years, Stewart Bradley; sons, Melvin (Barbara) Bradley of Oakdale, Scott (Shelley) Bradley of Escalon; daughters, Gail (Randy) Barnes of Escalon, Fredene Bradley of Oakdale; grandchildren, Cheryle (Karen) Bradley of Clovis, Melissa (Tony) Beneux of Modesto, Frances Barnes of Modesto, Josh (Jill) Bradley of Oregon, Jil (Craig) Dickison of Oregon, Jennie (Matt) Bradley of Oregon and Sam (Sernity) Griffith of Modesto; great grandchildren, Tanner, Jacob, Adrienne, Jonathan, Ayden and Parker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Gladys Bumgardner; brother, Fred Bumgardner who died in the Korean War; and daughter-in-law, Nancy (Green) Bradley.

A celebration of life will be Sunday, May 25 at the family retreat, 6787 Dogtown Road, Coulterville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to either the Calaveras Big Trees Association, P.O. Box 1196, Arnold, CA 95223, or the McHenry Mansion Foundation, 906 15th St, Modesto, CA 95354.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

April 16, 2008