Bette Linn Cooley went to her home in glory May 13, 2011. Bette passed peacefully in her home in Fresno, surrounded by her loving family and devoted caregivers.  Elizabeth Darlene Linn was born July 22, 1924 in Streator, Ill. and moved to Turlock in 1927, where she was raised by her parents W.L. and Eva Linn. Known to family and friends as Bette, she married her high school sweetheart Arthur C. Mello in 1942. After his service in WWII, Bette and Art moved to Fresno, where they owned and operated L & M Sales Yard for 28 years. Bette and Art were married for 51 years until his passing in 1993.

As active members in Cabrillo Civic Club of California, Bette and Art were instrumental in starting the annual Cabrillo Charity Auction that remains a community favorite to this day, supporting local charities including Nancy Hinds Hospice, Break the Barriers and many more. Throughout her life, Bette was an avid bridge player, enjoying the game with many of her friends for as long as 60 years.

Bette married Dr. Fred E. Cooley in 1995 and they enjoyed a wonderful life for 11 years until Dr. Cooley passed in 2006.

Bette is survived by her three children, Jacky Lynn McIntosh of Mission Viejo, Becky Mello of Fresno and Clark Mello and his wife, Lynnene, of Sanger; and grandchildren, Whitney Mello of Washington D.C. and Colin Mello of Newport Beach.

Private family services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 19 at Turlock Memorial Park. A memorial celebration of Bette’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 3 at Northwest Church, 5415 N. West Ave., Fresno.

Remembrances may be made to the AC & Bette Mello Fresno County Cabrillo Club Memorial Scholarship Fund, 1542 East Alluvial #115, Fresno, CA 93720.