Phyllis Bettencourt will always be remembered for the love she bestowed on her family and friends and for her energy, always ready for her next adventure. She had a memorable beginning, born on her father's birthday, June 28,1938, in the small desert town of Trona, California. She wisely left behind the sandy Mojave Desert for the sandy beach, electing to study at UC Santa Barbara. She graduated in 1960 with her Bachelor’s degree in education and her teaching credential.
Phyllis had only been teaching in Cupertino for one year before meeting her future husband, Bill Bettencourt. Phyllis and Bill were married on December 16, 1961 in the Mission Santa Barbara and then made their home in Visalia. Phyllis’ days were filled with work, devoting 28 years to the Visalia Unified School District as a Special Education Teacher. She will be remembered as a caring teacher to her students and for providing mentorship to many student teachers.
Phyllis' endless energy proved necessary when she had her daughter, Valerie, and then a short 13 months later, her son, Brian. She inevitably became the best athletic spectator, first attending the football games that her husband coached, and then cheering on her own children at their many extracurricular activities and athletic events.
Throughout her life, Phyllis battled many illnesses but never complained and instead filled her life with
people and activities she loved. She was very active in the community, joining and once presiding over PEO, and spending many hours with friends in book clubs, bridge groups, and the Catholic Women's Group. She loved to cook and hosted many delicious meals, although her children will always remember and laugh about the meals from the 80’s where using the microwave was the latest craze. She took up golf later in life and was quick to say, "I am not going to be in the sand trap; and sure enough, her foot wedge was quite accurate. She and Bill adventured together for 60 plus years, raising their two wonderful children, spending time with their family and many friends, and traveling to every continent with the exception of one.
Phyllis' final adventure in this life ended on December 19, 2021. She will be loved eternally by her husband, two children and four grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Valerie Arnold and her husband, Michael, and son, Brian Bettencourt and his wife, Lizel. Nana is also loved by her grandchildren, Jessica Arnold of Half Moon Bay, Mackenzie Arnold of Tempe, Arizona and Nate and Jake Bettencourt of Visalia. She is also survived by her brother, Donald Oswald and his wife, Dixie, of Phoenix, Arizona. She also leaves her special friends in Visalia, on the Central Coast, and her college
sorority and PEO sisters.
As Phyllis fought through her final days, she was cared for by the American Care Hospice. The family would like to thank them for their exceptional service, with special thanks to Jessica and Rebecca for their
compassionate care. We would also like to acknowledge Marsha Alves for her assistance to the family.
Phyllis' life will be celebrated with the following services:
On Monday, January 3rd there will be a viewing at Miller Memorial Chapel (1120 W. Goshen Ave.)
from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by a rosary at 6:00 pm.
On Tuesday January 4th, there will be a mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. (608 N.
Church Street) followed by a celebration of life.
The burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to create a College of Sequoias scholarship in Phyllis' memory.
Remembrances in Phyllis' honor may be sent to:
COS Foundation
915 S. Mooney Blvd.
Visalia, CA 93277
or by donating online at COS.edu/Foundation
