Betty L. (Coyle) Burden February 14, 1926 - November 28, 2016   Betty L. (Coyle) Burden, 90 years old, passed away in her home surrounded by her family on November 28, 2016.  Betty was born on February 14, 1926 in San Joaquin, CA.   Most of her schooling was in Newman, including Orestimba High, where she graduated.  She was the first girl to receive a block "O" letter in sports, under the guidance of one of the most influential people in her life - Marge Larsen, her PE teacher, who stayed in contact with her students all of her life.     Betty met the love of her life, Robert 'Bob' L. Burden, at Orestimba and married him in Newman in 1947.  They lived in Newman, then Porterville and Visalia, and then moved back to Newman soon after their four children were born.  Betty loved cooking and gardening with Bob.  She designed a beautiful cactus garden at the home they built in Newman.  Betty was active in her children's activities and schools, heading the PTA and being on the school board.  She remained life-long friends with her entire Orestimba graduating class and found a special friend in Virginia Jewett.     Bob and Betty moved to Modesto in 1964 and Betty worked alongside Bob in their meat locker business.  She worked for several anesthesiologists and then owned and operated a dress shop called Bebe's with her sister, Bernice (Coyle) Riser.     Being born on Valentine's Day fit her to a "T" as she was so very loving, giving, kind and young-at-heart.  She always had a smile on her face and she made the best of everything.  She loved hosting parties and family gatherings, especially after the family moved to their ranch east of Modesto, where her sister, Bernice, and brother, Thomas 'Tom' J. Coyle, also lived.  All of her sons and many extended family and friends were married on the ranch, and she hosted their weddings.     Betty was very artistic, especially loving watercolors, and drawing cartoon characters, such as Bugs Bunny for her children.  She loved all kinds of music, but especially the crooners from the 40s, classical music, and show tunes.  She sang in her church choir and loved singing with her children and grandchildren.  She and her brother, John 'Jack' E. Coyle, used to harmonize to "Wait till the Sun Shines, Nellie" and "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" at most family events.  Betty and Bob especially loved long road trips across the Western USA, though one of their favorite short trips was to Lake Tahoe to visit her sister, Bernadine (Coyle) Hunter.     Betty gave love unconditionally, was generous to all she knew, and set the perfect example of being a mother and wife.  She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.    Betty is survived by her adoring children, Judy Burden, Jim (Carrie) Burden, Mike (Doris) Burden), Mark (Joy) Burden, her precious grandchildren, Mike T., Alexandria, and Hillary Burden, step-grandchildren Curtiss (Shannon) and Johnathan Staggs, and wonderful sister-in-law, Marilyn Coyle and brother-in-law, Glenn (Cleta) Burden.  Betty was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her siblings, and her parents, John 'Jack' and Mary E. (Conour) Coyle.   The family wants to extend a special thanks to Covenant Care Hospice and Rose Gebhart, caregiver, for their loving care of Betty.   Funeral services will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson CA in the Heritage Chapel on December 16, at 12:00 pm. Viewing will be held on December 15, 2016 from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to favorite charities or Covenant Care Hospice in Turlock.     www.cvobituaries.com