On Monday, March 8, 2021, LaVera (Pat) O’Betz, wife, mother, grandmother, and
great-grandmother, passed away (at the age of 93) at the Murrieta home of her
daughter-in-law, Carol O’Betz.
LaVera was born on June 15, 1927, in Slaterville, Utah, to Sidney Howell and Addie
(Bunn) Howell. Not long after, the family moved to Compton, California, where
LaVera graduated, in 1943, from Roosevelt High School. She trained as a dental
hygienist after graduation.
In 1954, she married her husband of 50 years, Robert (Bob) Eugene O’Betz, and
became step-mother to Michael Dean O’Betz. Son, Dennis Eugene O’Betz, arrived
in 1955. Pat was wife, mom, and homemaker until Bob’s retirement from Pac-
Bell. Afterwards, Pat and Bob enjoyed traveling with family and friends, seeing the
world, and working around their home. She and Bob were residents of Vista,
California since 1971.
After Bob’s death in 2004, Pat immersed herself in her love of community and
friends. She became a docent at Rancho Guajome Adobe and was recognized as
Volunteer of the Year in 2015. She volunteered at the Vista Library, was active in
the ‘Red Hat Ladies Society,’ and also began her love of quilting. She made
beautiful quilts, wall-hangings, bags for the Rady Children’s Hospital and those
aging out of the foster system. Lifelong friendships were made from her
volunteering and quilting activities and meetings.
Pat was preceded in death by husband, Robert, son, Dennis, and step-son,
Michael. She is survived by grandsons, Timothy, John, and Zachary O’Betz, all of
Murrieta; Ian O’Betz of Julian and Sean O’Betz of Escondido. Daughter-in-laws,
Carol O’Betz of Murrieta, and Candace O’Betz of Ramona; along with 3 great-
grandchildren, also survive her.
A graveside service is scheduled for 10:30 am, Monday, April 12, at Fort Rosecrans
National Cemetery on Point Loma in San Diego. Private cremation is being
planned.
Allen Bros. Mortuary is handling the arrangements.
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