Born August 14, 1941 in Houston, Texas, her family then moved out west to Alhambra, California when she was a young girl. Southern California is where she would spend her childhood, get married, and build her own family. Her sister Helen recalls memories of a wonderful childhood with Betty that included dressing in matching outfits, making their first holy communion, and taking Sunday drives as a family after church. As a child Betty loved singing, roller skating, and “wishing” for a horse at every birthday and Christmas.
Betty met her husband and "one and only true love", Doyle C. Howell. They fell in love and were married on September 19, 1959 at St. Christopher's Catholic Church in West Covina, California. Together they raised 6 beautiful children, four sons and two daughters, in their home in Ontario, California. She loved her children immensely and they were her greatest joy in life. When she wasn't busy tending to her children she could be found raising grand champion goats, quilting and sewing, making rosaries, breeding and raising puppies, tending to her rose bushes, and supporting her daughters with showing horses. She was also the local 4-H leader for 18 years and held many different jobs through the years including posts at a doctor’s office, oil refinery, hardware store, and veterinary office. In addition to her children, Betty’s love and generosity was extended to many foster children whom she cared for over the years and remained in contact with until her final days.
Betty's six children blessed her with many many grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom Betty loved, adored, and spent a great deal of time with. Several of them were blessed to have lived with grandma during different periods of her life. They were loved and spoiled by her and will cherish the memories they made with grandma over the years.
Betty lived a full and wonderful life. Her greatest joys and devotion were her family and Catholic faith. Even in her later years when Alzheimer’s began to take its toll, Betty remained positive and encouraging, always trying to keep the peace and put a smile on the faces of those around her.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents Norris and Helen Hundley, siblings Norris Cecil Hundley, Jr and John Hundley, and husband, Doyle Howell, Sr. She is survived by her siblings Juanita Walters, Helen Daugherty, Patty Talbott, and Dr. Charles Hundley; her six children Doyle (Debbie) Howell Jr., Phillip (Sylvia) Howell, David (Tina) Howell, Paul (Melisa) Howell, Melissa Scheuber and Theresa (Andrew) Serna; as well as 20 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.
A private service will be held for Betty's family to mourn her passing and celebrate her life.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstnortondiasfunerals.com for the Howell family.
