Betty Carr Tribute

Betty “Mom” Carr, the beloved founder of Farm Trails member Mom’s Apple Pie in Sebastopol, passed away in May 2026. A local legend with a background in egg farming and restaurant operations, Betty opened her pie shop in 1983 with a commitment to family, community, quality, and local agriculture — especially the Gravenstein apple. In our 2023 Member Spotlight with Betty, she shared what she found most rewarding about her work: “Meeting customers and hearing how our pies or restaurants tie into their family and lives. It makes me so happy to hear about when/why they share my pies. I always hope it brings joy to all.” Without a doubt, Betty brought joy to all!

At this year’s Gravenstein Apple Fair, Betty’s family and close friends, including son Harry, daughter-in-law Jennifer, and longtime orchardist Rodrigo Vargas, joined host Clark Wolf on our Life on the Farm stage during the Apple Pie Contest awards ceremony for a moving tribute to Betty. Her family also handed out the awards to our contest winners, including 1st Prize winner Lauren McNaughton, pictured here.

“I love how the Gravenstein Apple Fair is a celebration of what we have and what we’ve been given,” said Clark. “A legacy like the gift of Betty Carr is to be honored. It was great to do that over apple pies.”

You can read our Spotlight with Betty here: https://www.farmtrails.org/2023/12/betty-carr-moms-apple-pie/

Photos by Zoe Rose Photography, Lisa Rose/The Farmers Photographer, and Mom’s Apple Pie