Betty Dawn Skov

August 30, 1943 – March 17, 2026

Betty Dawn Skov, a long-time resident of Los Altos, was born on August 30,1943 and passed away on March 17, 2026.

She is survived by her husband Paul, children Martin Skov and Esther Hardesty, Esther’s husband Marc, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

The daughter of the late Betty and Ralph Shaeffer, Betty graduated from Stanford University and began her career as a French teacher. After receiving her MBA from San Jose State University, she moved into public relations and worked in the computer peripherals industry.

She was a dedicated member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Mountain View. She sang in the choir for many years and was always ready to participate in and assist with congregational activities.

Betty had a knack for making lifelong friends, remaining close to the Danish family she lived with during a year of high school, fellow students from the Stanford in France program, former colleagues, and her church community. Throughout her life she brought joy to her family and friends with her sense of humor, attention to detail, and deep kindness.

She loved to travel with Paul, and they visited five continents together. They often turned trips to visit family in Colorado into adventures, going off the beaten path to see historic and natural sites. Together, they enjoyed discovering new wines, helping Friends of the Winemakers advance its goal of creating a Santa Clara Valley wine museum, working with the Decision Education Foundation, and spending time with their grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the American Cancer Society