Betty Mae Cariota

Betty Mae Cariota passed away on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at the age of 83. 

Betty was born on April 3, 1935 in Elwood, Indiana to parents Chester and Mae Baxter.  She is the second of six daughters:  Barbara Ankrum of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Patricia Sample of Anderson, IN, Jeanie Foust of Kokomo, IN, Sharon Bolton of Tyler, TX and Karen Skinner of Kokomo, IN.  Betty graduated Wendell Willkie High School in 1953.  In August 1959, Betty moved from Indiana to California where she met and then married the love of her life, Gerald Cariota, on September 16, 1961 at St. Francis X Cabrini Catholic Church in Yucaipa, CA. 

            Jerry and Betty adopted, loved and raised two children, their son John Cariota and daughter Julie Cariota, both of Yucaipa, CA.  Betty was devoted to her family and a loving, supportive and fun mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who always had a twinkle in her eye and was up for any adventure.  She retired after many years as a mail clerk from the Calimesa branch of the U.S. Post Office.

            Betty is survived by her son John and his wife Debra, daughter Julie and fiancé Tony Sturgill, grandchildren; Catherine Behrens, Marcie Alaniz, Rob Dixon, Lori Angelini and Shane Shehee; 9 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald.

 A funeral is scheduled for 11:00am on Monday, October 29, 2018 at St. Francis X. Cabrini Catholic Church in Yucaipa. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of this strong, sweet and beautiful woman who touched the lives of many and will be missed every day.  Flowers can be sent to Emmerson Bartlett Memorial Chapel in Yucaipa until 10am on Monday.