Betty Maxine Lewis

January 18, 1932 - March 26, 2026

Betty was born to Samuel and Blanche Bocking in Boise, Idaho, where she grew up alongside her younger brother, Philip. From an early age, she had a love for music and community—an accomplished pianist who enjoyed singing in the glee club and participating in Girl Scouts.

In her freshman year at Boise Junior College, she met James Lewis at the student union—a meeting that would shape the rest of her life. The following summer, Betty traveled to Columbia, South Carolina to marry Jim on August 18, 1951, while he was serving in the Army during the Korean conflict. Together, they began building a life rooted in love, adventure, and devotion to family.

After time in Indiana, where their first son Steve was born, they returned to Boise before Jim went to Santa Barbara for work and Betty joined him in March 1953.  David was born in April 1955 and shortly thereafter they moved to Long Beach.  In May 1956, they purchased their home in Buena Park with Ken arriving in early July.  Brian was born on David’s birthday (Easter Sunday!) in 1965.

A devoted homemaker, Betty was deeply involved at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church for over 30 years, serving in many capacities. She found joy in the simple and beautiful things—golfing with friends, gathering with neighbors, spending time outdoors, and later expressing her creativity through oil painting. Never one to stop learning, she returned to school to study computers and word processing and went on to work for a local state assemblywoman.

In their later years, Betty and Jim embraced travel and new adventures. A visit to Oregon led them to their retirement home in Keizer, where they spent ten happy years enjoying golf, bridge, and a close-knit community of friends. In 2000, they returned to Southern California, first to Corona and then to Anaheim Shores. There, Betty continued her life of service and connection—joining a bridge club, volunteering at the soup kitchen at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, and cherishing both old friendships and new ones.

Betty and Jim shared 64½ years of marriage before his passing in 2016. Their Son, Ken passed in 2014. She is survived by her brother Philip; her sons Steve (Trish), David (Joy), and Brian; her grandchildren Greg (Ashley), Jenna (Kyle), and James; and her great-granddaughter Amelia.

A private interment will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s honor to the St. Andrew’s Soup Kitchen Ministry (1231 E. Chapman Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92831, (714) 870-4350) or to a charity of your choice.

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