Yolo-Sonoma County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....De ROPP , Kathleen Elizabeth "Betty"  February 8 2004
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Peggy B. Perazzo pbperazzo@comcast.net July 3, 2004, 12:55 am

"The Davis Enterprise," Thursday, February 12, 2004
Kathleen E. de Ropp

Kathleen Elizabeth "Betty" de Ropp died of leukemia Feb. 8, 2004, at St. John's
Retirement Village in Woodland. She was 79.

She was born Betty Knowlman on July 29, 1924, in Finchley, England. After high
school she completed a course in horticulture, and then worked as a gardener at
Kew Gardens during World War II. There, she met her future husband, Robert S. de
Ropp.

She emigrated to the United States, where she married Robert and built a life
with him first in Rocklin County, New York, and then in rural Sonoma County,
endeavoring to live simply off the land.

She was an avid gardner, and she and her husband grew fruits, vines, vegetables
and even wheat, in addition to many ornamental plants. She also raised chickens
and helped process her husband's ocean fishing catches. Every harvest season was
followed by a massive canning and freezing production. She was known for her
wonderful meals and desserts, made from scratch using homegrown ingredients, her
family said.

She supported her husband, a scientist and author, by typing his numerous book
manuscripts and showing hospitality to his many students and visitors.

She loved poetry, classical music, good humor, sweets, giving gifts and
exchanging letters and phone calls with friends.

She spent her final years in Yolo County in order to be near her son Jeffrey and
his family and receive assisted living care.

She was preceded in death by her husband.

She is survived by a sister, Barbara Kimber, and a brother, Brian Knowlman, both
of England, and four children, James de Ropp of Knoxville, Tenn., Susan Huntsman
of Havelock, N.C., Sally de Ropp of Blauvelt, N.Y., and Jeffrey de Ropp of
Davis. She is also survived by seven grandchildren.

A private memorial service is planned.


Additional Comments:
Submitted with the permission of the "The Davis Enterprise," 315 G Street,
Davis, CA 95616.

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