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PITTSBURG —
Elizabeth (Betty) was born January 5, 1947 in Pittsburg, KS to Frank and Mary Kovacic. She passed away on June 30.
Betty met her soulmate Dennis Hewett in May of 1964 at Farlington Lake in Girard, KS. Dennis recently passed away on April 5, 2012. They were blessed to have spent 48 wonderful years together, and are doubtless overjoyed their time apart was short.
Betty attended Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS, obtaining a B.S. in Education in May of 1969. She continued her education from September 1969 - May 1970 at Kansas University, receiving her M.S. in Elementary Education with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction. She began a passionate career as an educator at a combination grades 1-2 classroom in Williamstown, KS (1970-1973).
In 1973, Betty and husband Dennis welcomed their first daughter, Jennifer. A year later the three set out for Los Alamos, NM where Betty worked at her first non-teaching jobs as a graphic designer in the libraries at Los Alamos National Lab.
In August of 1983 the family uprooted to the West Coast where Betty obtained her California Teaching Credential and began teaching in a start up program through the Livermore School District. In 1988 the family grew again with the addition of a second daughter, Kristen. Betty helped put together the Vineyard Elementary Independent Study Program, now located at the Almond Avenue School Site. She was the lead teacher working from Grades 1-5 and was test coordinator for several years. Betty retired in June of 2010 after 22 years with the program.
In addition to her work as an educator, Betty enjoyed reading, crafting, and participating in International Cuisine dinner groups. She was especially known for her hand-quilting, with her work published in Quilter's Newsletter Magazine.
Betty's vivacity and sparkling personality endeared her to those around her. She was an energetic cheerleader for her family, providing proud and caring support and celebrating her loved ones' accomplishments. She was an empathetic and non-judgmental listener, a thoughtful and resourceful planner, and a fantastic mother, grandmother and friend.
Survivors include daughters: Jennifer Rochez (Livermore, CA) and Kristen Hazelton (Seattle, WA), sons-in-law: Jonathan Rochez and Ryan Hazelton, grandchildren: Christopher and Isabella Rochez, sister: Sharon Cowan (Arma, KS), sisters-in-law: Barbara Stuart (Ft. Scott, KS) and Elaine Wallof (Tampa, FL), and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be sent to the Fine and Performing Arts Center, Office of University Development at PSU, 200 Shirk Hall, Pittsburg, KS 66702. The family encourages you to send special memories and photos of Betty to hewett1@gmail.com.
Elizabeth (Betty) was born January 5, 1947 in Pittsburg, KS to Frank and Mary Kovacic. She passed away on June 30.
Betty met her soulmate Dennis Hewett in May of 1964 at Farlington Lake in Girard, KS. Dennis recently passed away on April 5, 2012. They were blessed to have spent 48 wonderful years together, and are doubtless overjoyed their time apart was short.
Betty attended Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS, obtaining a B.S. in Education in May of 1969. She continued her education from September 1969 - May 1970 at Kansas University, receiving her M.S. in Elementary Education with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction. She began a passionate career as an educator at a combination grades 1-2 classroom in Williamstown, KS (1970-1973).
In 1973, Betty and husband Dennis welcomed their first daughter, Jennifer. A year later the three set out for Los Alamos, NM where Betty worked at her first non-teaching jobs as a graphic designer in the libraries at Los Alamos National Lab.
In August of 1983 the family uprooted to the West Coast where Betty obtained her California Teaching Credential and began teaching in a start up program through the Livermore School District. In 1988 the family grew again with the addition of a second daughter, Kristen. Betty helped put together the Vineyard Elementary Independent Study Program, now located at the Almond Avenue School Site. She was the lead teacher working from Grades 1-5 and was test coordinator for several years. Betty retired in June of 2010 after 22 years with the program.
In addition to her work as an educator, Betty enjoyed reading, crafting, and participating in International Cuisine dinner groups. She was especially known for her hand-quilting, with her work published in Quilter's Newsletter Magazine.
Betty's vivacity and sparkling personality endeared her to those around her. She was an energetic cheerleader for her family, providing proud and caring support and celebrating her loved ones' accomplishments. She was an empathetic and non-judgmental listener, a thoughtful and resourceful planner, and a fantastic mother, grandmother and friend.
Survivors include daughters: Jennifer Rochez (Livermore, CA) and Kristen Hazelton (Seattle, WA), sons-in-law: Jonathan Rochez and Ryan Hazelton, grandchildren: Christopher and Isabella Rochez, sister: Sharon Cowan (Arma, KS), sisters-in-law: Barbara Stuart (Ft. Scott, KS) and Elaine Wallof (Tampa, FL), and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be sent to the Fine and Performing Arts Center, Office of University Development at PSU, 200 Shirk Hall, Pittsburg, KS 66702. The family encourages you to send special memories and photos of Betty to hewett1@gmail.com.
