Ardetta "Detta" Boyd

Ardetta (Detta) Boyd died at Cherrywood Memory Care in McMinnville Oregon on June 29, 2020 from natural causes.  She was born on May 27, 1928 in Haines, Oregon. 

She attended the University of Oregon where she majored in art, and also developed her strong interest in fashion and fashion design.  She began painting at this time, and this was a passion that stayed with her for almost her entire life.

Graduating with an art degree from the University of Oregon, she met and married Byron Barnes. They lived in Sacramento where their first two children, Linell and Greg, were born, and where Detta began to exhibit paintings at local galleries.  After two years in England they returned to San Jose, where daughter Lauren was born.

In 1960 the family moved to Pasadena.  Detta threw herself into life in Pasadena, becoming president of the PTA, volunteering at the Pasadena Playhouse, and acquiring a group of friends that would last her entire life.  Detta became very involved with The Gamble House and was one of its first docents.  She and her co-workers helped establish its marvelously successful fundraising café and cookbook.

In 1974 she and Byron divorced.  In 1975 she married Dr. Robert (Bob) Boyd and they moved to San Marino where they enjoyed an expanding circle of friends, combined with the opportunity to travel widely and to explore the world.  After Bob retired from his practice they moved from San Marino to Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach.  Fourth of July gatherings in Emerald Bay were huge celebrations of family, food and watching fireworks up and down the coast from their wonderful deck.

Detta lived a full and wonderful life and will forever be remembered by her family and friends.

Detta is survived by her daughter Linell Nevius, Linell’s son Devon Nevius, his wife Leslie and their three boys, Oliver, Henry and David, by Linell’s son Paul Nevius and his wife Wendy Gao. Detta is also survived by her son Greg Barnes, his wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Danica and Spencer, and by Detta’s daughter Lauren Barnes.

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