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18 | OHCC LIVING | AUGUST 2020 | Village Squares The Queen Of The Square Dance Ballroom Betty Heyer certainly reigns as Village Squares queen for many reasons. She and her husband Ray moved here from Woodland Hills, California in 1988. Betty quickly joined line dance and then a few years later, encouraged by Jim and Dottie Nelson, they both joined the square dance class. Ray was hesitant at first, but he told Betty if she learned to play golf, he would take square dance lessons, which he came to love, and Betty has been an active member ever since. She and Ray were vice presidents in 1996 and treasurers in 1998. After Ray's death in 2002, Betty continued being active, serving as "angel" to many, many students, always encouraging and enthusiastic. After Verl Lobb's wife Joanne became unable to dance, Betty partnered with Verl, who was "Mr. Square Dance," and the two were clearly the best, most enthusiastic, and creative couple on the floor for 15 years until Verl's stroke. It was always a treat to dance in their square. Verl also taught a practice class on Thursday mornings, and Betty was always there to help the new students. Betty grew up in Oxnard, the daughter of Swiss citizens who came over from Switzerland in the 20s. She maintains dual citizenship. Betty has vivid memories of traveling in 1947 to meet her Swiss relatives, staying with her grandmother in a tiny village, and helping to harvest grapes. Betty met and married Ray, also Swiss, and the two participated actively in the Swiss Singers Society of Los Angeles, performing in many different venues, including even the famed Hollywood Bowl! She worked as a probate paralegal for 30 years, while also raising three daughters. Two of their daughters also followed legal careers, one serving currently as a judge and the other as Associate Dean of a law school. The third is in sales and marketing. Golf, paddle tennis, ski club, and line dance were all enjoyed by Betty for many years, but for us in square dance, Betty is queen of Village Squares. Just in case: Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time.