Betty Lou Almaraz

Betty Almaraz was born in San Bernardino California on September 20, 1943. Her parents were Blaz and Bessie Saucedo. She was the second oldest of 4 siblings, Christopher Saucedo, Yolanda Contreras, Ronald Saucedo and Mario Saucedo. She lived in San Bernardino until the age of 8. They then moved to Redlands where she continued school. Betty graduated from Redlands High School in 1961. After graduating high school, she moved to San Diego California to study at a Dental School for approx. 9 months and graduated as a certified dental assistant.
She was baptized March 10, 1962 under the pastorship of her grandfather, Cristobal Saucedo. After coming back from San Diego she worked as a dental assistant for 10 years and at the Redlands Unified School District for more than 12 years.
She married Daniel Almaraz on November 26, 1971. A year after being married, her husband, Daniel felt the calling to go to the missionary field. They went out as helpers to Missionary Bro. Fidel Almaraz in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico. During that time they learned what the missionary work is and Bro. Fidel assigned Betty and Daniel to do door to door evangelizing at 1 oclock everyday come rain or sunshine. At the end of that year, their daughter Betty "Likka" was born on November 12, 1973 in Caguas, Puerto Rico and after her birth their time as helpers in Puerto Rico was over.
Once they returned to the States in January of 1974, her husband Daniel Almaraz requested to return to Puerto Rico as an official missionary. They were assigned to start a church in the city of Caguas under the supervision of Bro. Fidel Almaraz. They started their services in the car port of their home. Around that time they had their second daughter, Elisa Almaraz who passed that same day due to medical complications. During this difficult time she met Ray and Teresa Pagan who became a great support during their time in Puerto Rico until this day, making it 41 years of friendship.
They returned to the States shortly after the Lord blessed them with their third daughter, Celiza Almaraz, who was born in Redlands on April 20, 1978. In 1984 they returned to Caguas, Puerto Rico by faith and not under the missionary program, to continue working in the missionary field and returned to the States for good in the year 1989. Although they were not under the missionary field program, the National Messengers of peace and the National Dorcas Dept. helped with the kids schooling and other needs during their last stay in the missionary field.
Right before returning to the States for good, her husband Daniel starting making Evangelistic trips to the Dominican Republic, holding healing and salvation services. He then became deathly sick which was a trying time for Betty who had to keep family, church and outside activities going. Picking up and taking brethren home before and after services. It was during this time, that God revealed to them that it was time to continue the Evangelistic ministry full time. After 5 years they returned to the States and Daniel was completely healed. Once in the United States, they became members of Lupe Arroyos congregation while they continued their Evangelistic ministry. Then between the years 1992 and 1993 they became pastors of the first Apostolic Church of Redlands. During this time period Daniel and Betty still continued to travel holding evangelistic crusades where Betty assisted Daniel in praying for the sick and those that needed deliverance until Daniel went to be with the Lord in 1995.
During her years as a widow, she cared for many people in their time of sickness, unselfishly serving and giving of her time and her love. She was known for doing everything with excellence
Betty Almaraz then worked for the Redlands Unified School District for the School Franklin Elementary in their offices. She was loved by each student and faculty member that she interacted with. She just had a loving and open heart to serve wherever she was to get the job done. Even if it wasnt her job to do it. She then retired after working for 15 years with them. But her memory and legacy is still left and burned in the hearts of many.
Betty also was there for her family no matter what the circumstances were. She was only a phone call away. She showed her love in the food she makes and attends every person's needs. She never judged and always helped. And with that giving spirit she decided after she retired to volunteer at Redlands Community Hospital. Even there she was loved by faculty. Her love showed no measure in the way she wanted to show it.
She always attended church. Every Sunday. In her last years she was congregating with Pastor Eddie Campa. Even after she was diagnosed she always gave her diesmoes and watched online services. She was a true woman of God. And that's what we remember. That's what we hold close in our hearts.

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