Betty Lea Kennedy

Betty Lea Kennedy, 95, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Brighton Post Acute Care in Hanford, California. She was born on November 24, 1929 in Greenfield, Missouri, to her parents Zella and Gilbert Bennett. In 1953, she graduated from the College of the Sequoias with an Associate’s degree before pursuing higher education at Fresno State University, graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Betty worked briefly at Elbow Creek Elementary School before transferring to Monson-Sultana Elementary. Betty loved teaching and said she loved 4th grade the most. She retired in 1993, after teaching for 34 years.

Betty married her first husband, Albert Wilkinson, in 1947 and together they had 3 children. Betty and her second husband, Willard, were married in 1968. She and Willard loved to travel, enjoying trips across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as well as cruises to Hawaii and Alaska. They were avid travelers in their RV with the Good Sam Club, camping at their favorite places of Laughlin and Pismo Beach. Betty lived in Visalia for 93 years, staying very busy while living at Quail Park in Visalia from 2017- 2025. She was crowned the Bingo queen, participated in crafts, enjoyed lunch outings and church services. She was also a true NASCAR fan and loved watching the races.

Betty is survived by her children Darrell (Helen) Wilkinson, Tracey (Tim) McLean, Kelley (Mark) Ritchie, and her step daughter, Linda Perrin, 7 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Willard, her parents Zella and Gilbert Bennett and her brother James Bennett. To honor Betty’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. Donations may be made to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in her memory.