Betty Jane Qualls' Obituary
Betty Jane Qualls
November 27, 1948 – July 18, 2025
PRAYER
God Is The Only Power In My Life
MUSIC
I Saw The Light – Hank Williams
With love and gratitude, we celebrate the remarkable life of Betty Jane Qualls, who passed away at the age of 76. Born in Indiana in 1948, she spent her early years in humble circumstances that shaped her deep compassion, strength, and determination. She moved to California with her family, carrying with her a resilient spirit and an unshakable belief that life could always be made better through hard work, hope, and love.
From those early beginnings, Betty charted her own path forward. She became the first in her family to graduate from high school – an accomplishment that reflected her belief in the power of education. She went on to build a fulfilling and varied career in telecommunications, childcare, real estate, underwriting, lending, and transportation. In every role, she combined diligence and integrity with genuine care of the people she served.
Despite the challenges she faced, she lived her life with generosity and grace. She never forgot her roots or the importance of family, maintaining close ties across generations and helping others to find their own strength. She had a unique way of lifting people up simply by believing in them. Her faith, kindness, and encouragement became touchstones for many whose lives she touched.
Her passions were many – spirituality, family, traveling, storytelling, and adventure. Whether exploring a new place, or sharing laughter around the table, or listening deeply to someone’s story, she found beauty and meaning in every moment.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Earnestine “Teeny” Whitten; her sisters Mary, Ruby, and Molly; and her husband Harry. She is lovingly survived by her daughter, baby sister, and a wide and cherished circle of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will forever treasure her warmth, wisdom, and strength.
Her story reminds us that it’s not where we begin, but how we rise, love and give along the way that defines a life. Hers as truly a life well lived and deeply loved.
Her remains have been cremated, and her ashes are being scattered in private family ceremonies across the United States – a tribute to her love of travel and her lifelong journey toward joy and discovery. She leaves behind a poem she wrote herself, a reflection of her heart and of a life lived fully – with courage, compassion, and gratitude:
Don’t know if 1 Day or 15 years on God’s time. I am so humbled to know all of you will be fine. I Believe in you. 2-9-20
To all the one’s I’ve loved before
I will soon be going out the door
Before I go I just want to say
You’ve made my life richer by the day
I am humbly grateful for who you are
All of us have come so far
No matter what I know its true
That all of you will follow thru
Stand tall, be proud and do whats right
Always keeping God in sight B
What Makes Me Happy
What makes me happy
Is seeing kindness from the heart
That lifts someone up to a new start
We all have feelings don’t you know
And want to be loved as we go
So step out of your head
And into your heart
Feel the Grace that God has impart
Love yourself first and then another
Father, Mother, sister, brother
Loving, compassions, forgiveness in living
Helps us understand each other
Come thither and
a garden to grow
a good book to read
your life will be rich
your heart will be full
a mind at peace
a life so fulfilled
B 8/30/19
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
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