Betty J. Lewis passed away on October 31st, 2023, at the age of 99.

She was born in Texas. Her father (Herbert Mclaughlin) was a produce broker for a large vegetable company, so they moved quite frequently. They moved to Los Angeles when she was six months old. In 1939, alongside her sister Aulene, her family moved to Lompoc where she finished high school at Lompoc High in 1942. After graduation, she attended Santa Barbara State in Santa Barbara.  It changed to the University of Santa Barbara while she was attending.

In 1945 she married Tomas B. Lewis when he came home from serving in the Army Air Force as a bombardier in England during WW2. They moved to Davis for two years so Tom could finish his college degree. They returned to Lompoc to raise three children: Steven Lewis, Thomas Lewis, Jr., and Elizabeth (Betsy) Lewis.

Betty earned her bachelor's degree in education. While the kids were growing up, she worked as a kindergarten teacher starting at El-Camino, then to Hapgood, and finished teaching out her 25-year career at Los Berros.

She and her husband Tom enjoyed traveling to many places including Alaska, the Caribbean, Nova Scotia, England, Scotland, and Tom's favorite, up the Mississippi River. For her 90th Birthday Betty went on a 10-day cruise overseas with her daughter Betsy and two granddaughters Ada and Cayla. They traveled to France, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Guernsey.

Betty is survived by her daughter Elizabeth (Betsy) Lewis, and her two grandchildren Ada Young, and Cayla Brannigan. She has four great grandchildren: Stevie Brannigan, Thomas Brannigan, Charlie Crawford, and Benton Rimmer. She was preceded in death by her Husband Thomas B. Lewis and two sons: Steven Lewis and Tomas Lewis, Jr.

She was a member of many groups including the Presbyterian church, the PEO, the Lompoc Historical Society, the Elks Lodge, the Retired Teachers Association, and the Order of the Eastern Star. Three years ago, her granddaughter Cayla moved in to help with her care. She will be dearly missed but her legacy of strength, love and guidance will continue to inspire the ones who knew her.

The graveside service is November 10th, 2023, at 1:30 at the Lompoc Cemetery. Following the graveside service, a Celebration of life will be held at First Christian Church of Lompoc 1517 W. College Avenue.