Betty Jane Cerva

In Loving Memory of Betty Jane Cerva

Betty Jane Cerva was born on March 8, 1937, in Anadarko, Oklahoma, to Frank and Juanita (Snead) Burks. She grew up on the family farm alongside her siblings – LJ, LaJoy, Charles, and Pat – where she learned very early the value of hard work, perseverance, and family. 

Betty married the love of her life, Robert Adrian Rhodes, on June 7, 1953, in Fresno, California. Together they welcomed three children: Zona (Ron Hoggard), Robyn (JD Wieland), and Tim (Deborah Hecht). Robert passed away on June 19, 1962, after a lifelong illness, leaving Betty to raise their young family with remarkable strength, determination, and resilience. 

On July 27, 1963, Betty married Richard Keith Cerva. Their marriage lasted 23 years before ending in divorce. 

Education was a lifelong passion for Betty. She attended beauty school before moving to California and later completed her high school requirements in 1975. She went on to earn her paralegal certification and complete business coursework through Fresno City College. Her dedication and professionalism earned her a Certificate of Appreciation and a nomination for Secretary of the Year in 1983. Betty ultimately built a successful career with H&R Block, where she received numerous awards recognizing her accomplishments and commitment. 

Betty’s achievements extended far beyond her professional life. Her love of dance brought her immense pride and joy, and she earned awards for her talent and dedication. These honors were especially meaningful, as she continued dancing despite the challenges of debilitating arthritis and advancing glaucoma - powerful testaments to her determination and indomitable spirit. 

She loved to travel, read, dance, garden, sew, and socialize with family and friends. Above all else, nothing filled her heart more than her grandchildren, who were always close to her thoughts and love. Betty was blessed with eight grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Though only two lived within 30 minutes of her and the rest were scattered across the United States, none were ever far from her heart. 

Betty Jane Cerva lived a life defined by perseverance, lifelong learning, joy, and deep devotion to family. She passed peacefully at home on January 7, 2026, leaving behind a legacy that will continue through the many generations she loved so dearly. 

Betty is preceded in death by her spouses, Robert Rhodes and Richard Cerva; her parents, Frank Burks, Juanita Snead, and William Lawless; her brothers, LJ Snead and Charles Burks; her sister Pat (Lawless) Deszcz; her nephew Dennis Moore; her granddaughter Tina Wieland; and her son-in-law, JD Wieland.