[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 123 (Friday, August 1, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF BETTY LOU LAVAL

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Betty Lou Laval, who passed away on June 27, 2014, at the age of 79. 
Betty Lou's optimism and appreciation for life will be missed greatly 
by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
  Betty Lou spent most of her life in Fresno, California. She met her 
future husband, Claude Laval III, in kindergarten at Heaton Elementary 
School. For a short time, she left Fresno and attended the University 
of Southern California on a full scholarship. Betty Lou was a very 
active member of the Delta Gamma Sorority and recently attended their 
50th reunion. She adored her alma mater and was one of the university's 
greatest supporters.
  Betty Lou and Claude were married for 57 years. They raised two 
daughters: Melinda and Luann. Family was most important to Betty Lou. 
Her children and grandchildren--Nicholas, Chase, and Ellery--took 
priority over everything else in her life. Betty Lou will be greatly 
missed by Claude, her daughters, grandchildren, and many nieces, 
nephews, and relatives.
  Staying involved in the community was always very important to Betty 
Lou. She was an active member of the Junior League of Fresno and served 
on the Board of Trustees for Children's Hospital Central California. 
She was also a dedicated member of La Feliz Guild for over 40 years.
  One of Betty Lou's greatest passions was music, and she was a very 
talented musician. Betty Lou could play any string instrument and 
especially loved the banjo and ukulele. In addition to her appreciation 
for music, Betty Lou also enjoyed traveling with Claude. They visited 
many different countries together, making friends from all over the 
world.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to pay tribute to the life of Betty Lou Laval. 
Betty Lou will be remembered as someone who always brought joy to 
others, and her commitment and dedication to the community she loved 
dearly will never be forgotten.

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