91 Year Resident of Santa Cruz

Betty passed away peacefully after a long illness at 91. Born in Santa Cruz on May 7, 1934, the daughter of George and Dorothy Winterhalder. She was so proud to be a sixth generation Santa Cruzan. Her great-great-great grandparents were Joseph Majors and Maria De Las Angeles Castro Majors. They owned the land trust of Santa Cruz, Zayante and San Augustine. Joseph Majors was also the founder of the Pony Express.

Following graduation from Santa Cruz High in 1952, Betty went to work for County Bank of Santa Cruz. She became the first woman Manager in December 1976 and continued for her predecessor Pacific Western Bank and Comerica. Betty was named Santa Cruz Business Woman of the Year, by the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce.

She was very active in the community. She was President of the Dominican Hospital Foundation Guild, Co-Chair for the Santa Cruz High School Centennial and Treasurer for the Scotts Valley High School Falcon Club.

Betty loved traveling, needle pointing, socializing with friends and family and attending her grandchildren's sporting events.

She is survived by her three children. Sons Mark (Cori) Elward, Michael (Lori) Elward and daughter Michele (Frank) Paulsen. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Mark & Nicholas Paulsen, Taryn Ramlow, Samantha Findley, Courtney Overett and Katherine Begley and great grandchildren, Hudson & Brixton Paulsen, Ozzie Ramlow, Henry Overett and John Thomas Begley.

She was preceded in death by her husband Mark and parents George and Dorothy Winterhalder.

Many family memories will continue to be shared of her love for spending time with her grandchildren, especially their yearly trips to Tahoe.