Obituary of Bessie Lou Moyer

Dusty Moyer passed away Friday May 19, 2017 surrounded by her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. She was 89 years old. One of 6 children born to her parents, Clyde & Laura Ritter, Bessie arrived just before Christmas of 1927 in Montgomery, Indiana. She had three sisters, Dorothy, Elzina & Ibbie and two brothers, Tex & Clyde. Dusty grew up on the farmlands of Indiana and though she lived her entire adult life in California, she always considered herself an Indiana farm girl. After graduation from Linden High School in 1945, Dusty moved to Santa Cruz, California with her sister Elzina to live with their aunt and uncle. Dusty found employment with Penniman Title Company in downtown Santa Cruz where she met George Moyer, her future husband. They married on August 29, 1946 and had two children. When Dusty's children were very young, she worked part-time as the church secretary for the First United Methodist Church, which at that time was located in downtown Santa Cruz. At one point, Dusty began working full-time in the business office at Wrigley's Gum factory, once located on the westside of Santa Cruz. Most of Dusty's career though, was spent working for the Santa Cruz County Recorder's Office where she processed records and documents onto microfilm. She retired in 1983. It was clear throughout her life that Dusty's family, both immediate & extended, were her passion. The focus of her attention was centered around her husband George of almost 70 years, her two children, Stephen & Beverley, and grandchildren Alison & Erika. Dusty also loved her church family, as well, and was very active in the choir, committees and special events. Most of her social life revolved around her family and friends through the United Methodist Church, the Santa Cruz Order of Eastern Star, where she had been Past Matron, and Cabrillo Caballeros RV Club. A visit to her home would have found Dusty baking, creating a craft project or tending to her roses and garden full of flowers & raspberries. Our mom was blessed with an optimistic, positive attitude, a ready smile and a generous & giving heart. Dustry is survived by her son Steve (Carolyn) Moyer, daughter Bev (Kevin) Vogel, granddaughters Alison (Brandon) Niizawa, Erika (Sal) Sanchez and Holly Moyer, great-grandchildren Emma & Tanner Niizawa, Levi & Cole Sanchez, her two sisters, Elzina & Ibbie and many nieces & nephews. Dusty is preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, George, her parents Ernest & Laura Ritter, sister Dorothy and two brothers Tex & Clyde. Her spirit & willingness to love will burn bright & always be remembered by her family and those who were most fortunate to know her. Private interment will be at Santa Cruz Memorial.