Betty Lou Brooks

Betty Lou Brooks passed away at her home in Oak View, California, on August 16th, 2010, with her family around her, after a yearlong bout with leukemia. She was born on April 9th, 1927, in Tulsa Oklahoma. She was the first of two children raised and greatly loved by Robert and Glen Lamprich. The family moved to Southern California where she met William (Billy) Brooks. She was married to Bill at the age of 18 in 1945 and they celebrated 52 years of marriage and friendship. Betty bore two children Bobby (1947) and Bonny (1949). They put down their roots in Burbank California where they lived until 1990 when they moved to Oceanside, California. Betty moved to Oak View after the passing of her soulmate Bill in 1997, where she lived for 13 years. She loved her family, friends and the beautiful Ojai valley. Over their many years together, trips to Yosemite, Bryce, Zion and Hawaii were common. During the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s they enjoyed entertaining on their boat in Oxnard. With their grandchildren and many dock friends there were countless days of fun in the sun. And always there were the dachshunds – Hexcell, Schnapsie, Munchie and Thumper from which she derived so much comfort, pleasure and friendship. In 1957, Betty started a very successful career in the animation and cartoon industry where she creatively worked until retiring. TV Spots, Film Fair, Filmation, UPA, Walter Lantz, Murakami Wolf, Hanna Barbera, as well as starting her own studio – Simba. For over 25 years she worked on projects like The Flintstones, Puff the Magic Dragon, Fat Albert, Batman, Winnie the Pooh, Star Trek, Archie, along with countless other animated series and films. The years after completing her career were filled with the painting she so much loved to do. Her passion for bringing to life the beautiful images of her imagination can be seen in the bright and colorful water colors, acrylics and oils that adorn her walls and those of her family and friends. Later, the second passion of her life became her association with her Circle of Friends group here in Ventura County. She was especially proud of becoming the vice president of the group in the last few years. These friends visited with her until the very end and were a source of great comfort and solace to her. They talked about how much fun she was and a joy to be with. ”A sparkling personality.” Anyone who knew Betty knew how much it meant to her to have people come and visit her – the more the merrier the more often the better. Betty is survived by her daughter Bonny (wife of Brian McDermott), of Tahoe City, California, Grandaughters April (wife of Bill Armstrong) and Carrie (wife of Michael Rubalcava) both of Ojai, Grandson Casey, of Culver City, California, as well as Great Grandchildren, Nicholas, Quinten, Liliana, and Henry, all of Ojai. She is also survived by her sister Suzie, (wife of Jim Fulvio), of Glendora, California. She is preceded in passing by her son Bobby (1966) and husband Bill (1997) It is with great sadness that this final canvas is completed in this life, but it is with great love and expectation that we send her off to start her transformation, filled with the same love and passion she brought to all our lives here on earth. We Miss you.