Betty Jane L. (Kusch) Howell

Betty Howell passed away February 10, 2024, after a 3-year struggle with dementia.

Betty Jane Loraine Kusch was born to William and Louise Kusch in Kennan, Wisconsin, March 22, 1925. She grew up in Wisconsin with 4 sisters and 5 brothers.

Betty had an itch to go West to help with the war effort before she met her first husband, Herbert. She moved to San Bernardino, California, and did inspections on airplane bombsights during the urgent campaign for women to become involved during World War II, following the motto of Rosie the Riveter: We Can Do It!

Betty enjoyed many great years both in Portland and Gleneden Beach with her second husband, Wayne of 60 years. They enjoyed playing cards and going out to eat with many friends and relatives, watching game shows and baseball games on TV, gazing at ships passing by on the ocean, and feeding birds and squirrels. After Wayne's death in 2018, her daughter Barbara graciously stayed with Betty for over 2 years so she could continue to enjoy her beach home. She was so thankful for all of the support her daughter Kathy, son-in-law Jean, grandson Gary and wife Tanya, provided for her over these years and more. In 2021, her granddaughter, Sheri, and wife Julie, welcomed her into their home where she was surrounded by family and amazing caretakers. She expressed her gratitude often for the letters, cards, phone calls, visits, and for the love and care she received.

Betty is survived by her youngest sibling, Harry; her children, Barbara and Kathleen; her stepdaughter, Janet; her grandchildren, Suzanne, Gary, Eric, Laura, Tyrone, Jason, Christopher, Tracie, Sheri, and Jennifer; many great grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her 4 sisters, Hattie, Eileen, Viola, and Bernice; her 4 brothers, Lloyd, Clarence, Ray, and Donald (who died when he was just a child); her first husband, Herbert; her second husband, Wayne; and her two stepchildren, Alan and Sally.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Willamette Vital Health & Hospice/ Tokarski Home for the excellent care and support they provided to Betty during her stay.

A service will be held at a later date.