A memorial service will be Saturday, April 2, for longtime Ben Lomond resident Amanda “Mandy” Beyette, who died March 22 after an illness. She was 64.
Ms. Beyette was born in San Francisco and raised in Merced before moving to Ben Lomond, where she lived for about 30 years.
She was known by many as the manager of the General Store at Roaring Camp Railroads, where she worked for many years. She played Mrs. Claus for the holiday trains and never missed a chance to dress in costume or get in character for events.
She began her early career as a Head Start aide in San Jose. Before Roaring Camp, she volunteered at Valley Churches United Missions’ children’s fishing booth at many community events.
Known as “Mom” throughout the valley, she was often seen in her beloved 1968 Camaro, which she and her son Ruben got running.
During numerous storms, she and Ruben could be found at VCUM, helping with sandbags.
Friends said she had a big heart and welcomed anyone in need to her home in the redwoods next to a creek.
Ms. Beyette is survived by her sons, Ruben Gonzalez of Ben Lomond and Thomas Gonzalez of San Jose; mother, Jessie Aceo of Eagle, Idaho; sisters, Yvonne Gonzalez of Merced and Cozette Walters-Swanson and Melissa Castrigno, both of Eagle; and a grandson and many nieces and nephews.
A burial service will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2, at Felton Cemetery, on the 100 block of Felton Empire Road, followed by a celebration of life at noon at Mark Twain Hall in Roaring Camp, 5355 Graham Hill Road in Felton. A train ride will follow at 2 p.m.
Contributions in Ms. Beyette’s name may be sent to Valley Churches United Missions, P.O. Box 367, Ben Lomond, CA 95005. Gifts to help with the family’s final expenses may be directed to her personal representative, sister Cozette G. Walters, and sent to Comerica Bank, account No. 8002006875, 228 Mount Hermon Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95066.
