Betsi Procter

Elizabeth “Betsi” Jean Procter Ojai, CA Elizabeth “Betsi” Jean Procter, 53, died peacefully in her home Friday, August 26, 2011 after a short battle with lung cancer. Betsi was born June 24, 1958 in Ventura to Norris and Peggy Procter. She spent her life in Ojai, working and raising her family. She lived in the family home her entire life and took much pride in creating many memorable moments there. Although only blessed with one child, she always wanted more and did so by becoming a second mom to countless children both blood related as well as related by choice. A constant volunteer, Betsi wanted to help everyone; she often gave her time, love, and energy. Betsi was a great believer in God and shared her love through leading the Missionettes program at the Assembly of God church where she was a member. I am sure that today many grown women can say that Betsi brought them to God. At San Antonio Elementary, “The Maypole Lady” was her title for many years. While Betsi attended San Antonio as a child they had an annual May Festival where the children performed the “Maypole” dance. When her daughter started school she made sure to bring the tradition back. She taught the Maypole to the sixth grade class for the Centennial celebration and later taught it to the next ten or so sixth grade classes that performed the dance at their graduation. Her love for flowers and all things creative led her to own her own flower cart here in town called Heaven Scents. Betsi spent many holidays making arrangements to bring people joy. Making others happy was not only her passion but also a great talent. Life brought changes for Betsi, and with that led her to go back to school and learn a new skill. She finished at the top of her class and began working at the Ventura County Medical Center and later the County of Ventura Health Care Agency where she brought her own unique style to everything she did. The past few years brought her attention back home where she took the most pride in her job…caring for her granddaughter Hudson Rose. Betsi will be remembered most for her infectious laugh that she brought with her everywhere she went. She was loud, funny, and she knew what she wanted and knew how to get it; a very determined woman. She could make friends with anyone; she was everyone’s best friend. Betsi will be deeply missed and held forever in our hearts. Betsi is survived by her father, Norris Procter; her fiancé Rick Stice; daughter, Sarah Sidote-Ortiz; her son in law John Ortiz and her grandchildren, Aspen Sidote and Hudson Rose Hardison Ortiz. She is also survived by her brother Bruce Procter and sisters Susan Owen, Stephanie Conant, Noreen Burton, Frances Procter and Dinah Martinez. Nieces and nephews: Rick Anderson (daughters Emily, Abby, and Olivia), Rob Anderson (daughters Heather and Holly), Dawn Trudel (children Logan, Alex, and Gabrielle), Lynell Rubin, Jeremy Procter (daughter Grace), Luis Martinez, Jennifer Flores, Caleb James, Robert Shriver (daughter Kenadi), and Michael Shriver. She is preceded in death by her mother Peggy, and her grandparents Paul Pyatt, Alma and Joe Morgani, and James and Hope Procter. Assisting the family with funeral arrangements is Ojai Valley Funeral Services 805-640-3600.