Bettelyle Westbrook

Bettelyle Westbrook

October 15, 1929-February 15, 2021

Bettelyle Westbrook passed peacefully in Inglewood, California on February 15th. With a deep love of politics, it seems fitting that she left us on President’s Day.  Born in Los Angeles, “BL” or “Lyle”, as she was known to family and friends, grew up in the small country town of Nuevo, California. She earned her BA from UC Santa Barbara (graduating with the last class on the Riviera Campus) and continued her MS graduate education at University of California Los Angeles, graduating a proud Bruin.

“Miss Westbrook” enjoyed a distinguished four-plus decade long career as an educator (teacher, counselor and administrator) at Culver City High School from September 1954 to July 1989, followed by post retirement part-time work for another decade. She loved mentoring students and helping them navigate their way to college. The Bettelyle Westbrook Spirit Award was created in her honor by the school’s scholarship committee five years ago. To date, 350 students have received awards in her name for higher education costs.

Bettelyle was a proud Democrat, loved the horse races (where she enjoyed a visit to the winner’s circle!), tennis, football, family gatherings and travels with her best friend Helen “Jinx Smith” on summer trips during school breaks to Lake Tahoe, Europe, Egypt, a 42-day Mediterranean cruise and exploring the United States, including the U.S. Capitol. She always offered kind words of encouragement and support to her students and family members. Blessed with an infectious giggle and wonderful sense of humor, Bettelyle was much loved for her kindness, steadfast principals and intolerance of injustice. She leaves behind a powerful legacy to those who knew, loved and respected her.

Bettelyle was predeceased by her beloved mother, Flossie Jolly Westbrook, father Chester, brothers Forrest and Allan and best friend of 65 years Helen “Jinx” Smith whom she considered “the sister she never had.” Surviving family members include brother Donald, sisters-in-law Diane and Marcella; nieces Leslie, Yvonne, Linda, Martha, Denver, Robin, Tracy and nephew Benjamin.

Donations in Bettelyle’s memory can be made to the Culver City Community Scholarship; www.cccommunityscholarships.org; memo: Bettelyle Westbrook Spirit Award at Culver City High School Scholarship Fund, Emily’s List or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Interment is private at Perris Valley Cemetery.

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