Betty Lucille (Blackburn) Kanady

Betty Lucille Kanady passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, at the age of 95 in Bakersfield, California. She was born on October 18, 1930, in Klickitat Washington, the fourth of twelve children born to George and Opal (Eames) Blackburn.

Spending most of her childhood growing up in Porterville, California, Betty learned the values that would shape her life – hard work, devotion to family, and a deep care for others. Although she attended most of her school years in Porterville, she graduated from Delta High School in Delta, Utah in 1948. After graduation, her family returned to Porterville and it was there that she met the love of her life, Autis “Audie” Kanady while riding on the running board of his truck during potato harvest. They were married on July 20, 1949 in Visalia, California. Their marriage was later solemnized in the St. George, Utah temple in 1955. Betty and Audie shared 59 years of marriage until his passing in 2008.

For the past 70 years, Betty has made Bakersfield her home. She served faithfully in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Primary President, Relief Society President and Secretary, Jr. Sunday School Co-Ordinator, and many years leading the music for Sacrament Meetings. Music held a special place in her heart. She passed on her love of music – especially Christmas songs - to her children and grandchildren.

Serving others brought Betty profound happiness. A woman of deep and abiding faith, Betty lived her life according to her favorite scripture, Moroni 7:47: “But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him” Truly, it is well with her. She loved reading, baking, needlework, and caring for others in quiet, meaningful ways. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, music, and service that will continue through the generations she nurtured. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Audie; her parents George and Opal; her sisters, Jean and Veva; and her brothers, Edward, Douglas, Alva “Bud”, and Bob.

She is survived by her children, Judi (Greg) LaSalle of Valencia CA, Marjie Gorman of Bakersfield CA, Ed (Diane) Kanady of Tulsa OK, and Ann (Jay) Phelps of Bakersfield CA; 22 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Anita “Deda” Robbins, Marilyn Higham, Linda Mauldin and brothers, Tom Blackburn and Bill Blackburn.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Bakersfield Highland Manor LDS Ward Chapel, 2828 McCray St. in Bakersfield, California. Visitation will be held at the same location that morning from 9:00-9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery on River Blvd.