Bette Elaine Blake

It is with deep sadness we share the news of Graeme’s passing. Bette Elaine Blake, passed away in her home in the Valley of the Moon, on winter solstice, Dec. 21, 2025, at the age of 97. Born Bette Elaine Anderson, in San Francisco, on November 22, 1928, Bette lived her entire life in the Bay Area. The youngest of 5 siblings, she treasured her family. She married John Rankin Blake Sr., on July 3rd, 1947. They were married for 61 years before John’s passing in 2008. She leaves behind four children, and their families. John, the eldest, and wife Betina, and grandchildren, Jennifer and Kristiana;  Melanie, the elder daughter, and granddaughter, Sarah and husband Joshua Mast, and great grandchildren Addison and Tom Mast; Ron Blake, the younger son, and wife, Wanda, grandchildren Bianca, Gabrielle and husband Olin, Joshua, and Elijah, and great grandchildren, Isaiah and wife Keianna, Madison, Pharrell, Nine, Otis, Ima, Kayleigh, Knox, Kaya, Karina and partner Devin; and great, great grandchildren, Kaliyah, Isaiah Jr., Eden and Jamison; and Graeme’s youngest child, Kerry and grandchildren, Cara and John.

Everyone who knew Graeme loved her for her tolerance, acceptance and her philosophy of “love each other as I have loved you” John 15:12. She was passionate about her dogs, her garden and her friends. A life- long Lutheran, she leaves behind enduring friendships founded in her faith at both San Francisco’s Zion Lutheran Church and First Lutheran Church, So. San Francisco. After moving to Sonoma in 2010, Graeme volunteered at Dunbar Elementary School and embraced students and staff for such activities as “Read Across America” and movie night. She loved working in the garden and could be found there on weekends gardening and walking her dogs. She reached out to all members of our extended family and was a fierce fighter for equality. Her tolerance for, and acceptance of, each person she met was beyond measure. Graeme will be missed fiercely, as we hold the lessons she taught us about faith, unconditional love, and her unrelenting fight for what is right in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers please consider a notation to an animal shelter or veterans group. Graeme gave generously to the veteran and K-9 communities

Memorial Update

It is with deep sadness that we need to postpone our mom, grand mom and friend, Bette’s memorial service that has been announced for Saturday, March 28th. March 28 is also No Kings Day Rally and nationwide March and will directly impact our ability to hold a memorial service at Duggan’s in Sonoma. We will post updates here and look forward to celebrating the life of Bette Blake with family and friends who loved her and were close to her. We are so sorry for the need to reconnect at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bette Elaine Blake, please visit our floral store.