Elizabeth M. Briney

schools in Glenrock, Cheyenne, and Nebraska.

After high school, Bettie began working for Inland Airlines, which later became Western Air Lines. As a gate agent, her career took her to Cheyenne, Billings, Denver, and Los Angeles. Along the way, she was introduced to family friend Max Briney. Their friendship grew into a courtship, and the two were married on August 16, 1948, in Cheyenne. A year later, their daughter Christine was born. The family soon relocated to Manhattan Beach and then to El Segundo, where daughter Penny and son Michael later joined the family.

Bettie and Max raised their children in El Segundo, where they attended St. Anthony School, St.Bernard High School, and El Segundo High School. Bettie was an active member of the Women’s Auxiliary at St. Anthony and served as its president for two years. Her commitment to her community would remain an important part of her life for decades to come.

In 1986, Bettie and Max left El Segundo and moved to Ojai, California, a place they said reminded them of home—without the weather. Bettie quickly became involved in her new community, serving as treasurer of the Ojai Art Center and taking on similar responsibilities with the Ojai Museum. Art was one of Bettie’s lifelong joys. She loved to quilting, sewing and stitchery and was always eager to try a new style or creative pursuit. Over the years, she shared her craftwork generously with family and friends, leaving many of them with pieces that remain special reminders of her creativity and curiosity.

Max passed away in 1987, just a year after their move to Ojai. Bettie remained there for more than three decades, continuing to stay active in her community and in the organizations that had become important to her.

In 2019, Bettie relocated to San Jose, where she lived until her passing on August 14, 2026, at the age of 103. Bettie was preceded in death by her husband, Max, and her daughter, Christine (Tom Rashford). She is survived by her daughter, Penny (Tom Rico); her son, Michael (Barbara); eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Across more than a century of life, Bettie built a family, served her communities, nurtured her creativity, and remained deeply connected to the people and places she called home. Her family

is grateful for the life and memories they shared with her, and for the many kind thoughts, prayers, and expressions of love that have been extended to them.