Betty Jean Howells

Betty Jean (Hentzen) Howells was born July 22, 1930 in Wichita, Kansas to Christian John Hentzen and Betty (DeVore) Hentzen. Betty was the second of four children, with 2 sisters and 1 brother. In her teens she moved with her parents and siblings to South Gate, California, where she was a committee member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She met the love of her life William "Bill" Howells, and they were married in 1951. They were members of the St. Raymond's Catholic Church in Downey for many years, where they made lifelong friends. One of their favorite traditions was a yearly camping trip to South Carlsbad State Beach with these friends known as “the Downey group.”

In 1971, Betty and Bill moved with their family to Ramona, California where she became a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and remained a dedicated member throughout her life.

Betty was a cherished member of the community and was well known for her skilled work as a seamstress. Sewing was her passion, and she could often be found in her sewing room making something special for her loved ones. She worked for more than 25 years at Ramona Pharmacy and taught sewing with the Ramona 4-H organization.

Those that knew her would describe her as an extraordinary woman who showered those around her with kindness and love. She was considered a second mom to many. Bill and Betty hosted a family gathering every Easter and Christmas welcoming all to her home. These holidays were a cherished time that they spent with their family and loved ones.

At 95 years young on January 16, 2026 God chose for Betty to fly with the angels. She will be deeply missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She and Bill were married for 68 years before his passing in 2019. She is survived and loved by her 7 children: Chris (Laurie), Randy (Marie), Gina, David (Cyndie), Gary (Brandy), Tim (Ann), Marty (Dorise), her 19 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

Mass service will be held at 10:00am on Monday February 9, 2026 with a reception immediately following at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Burial will be alongside her husband Bill at Miramar National Cemetery.

Bonham Bros. & Stewart Mortuary and Cremation Service assisted the family.

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