Elizabeth Jane Wendt (known as Betty) was born on Feb 22, 1931, in Santa Rosa, California to Wiiliam D. and Sally P. Wendt. She was the youngest of 3 siblings, Evelyn and Bill Wendt. She attended Napa High School and Napa Junior College. Betty was a majorette at Napa High School. She met her future husband, Leonard E Meinecke, while in High School and they married in 1950.  The couple first moved to Oakland, California and then to Castro Valley, California. Although, first being told she could not have children she ended up having 5 children in 6 years, Lenny Jr, Kathy, Lonny, Danny and Timmy.  The family moved to Redwood City in 1964 for 1 year and eventually relocated to Santa Clara, California in 1965.  Betty was always active and supportive of her children's activities including scouting, sports and even as their elementary school choir leader. She was well known for her sense of humor, beauty and kindness to everyone and her love for animals.  Betty and Leonard eventually moved to Fort Mojave, Arizona in 2000.  Betty was a mother of 5 children, Grandmother to 14, Great Grandmother to 32 and Great- Great Grandmother to 1.