Betty Lee Kasper

Betty Lee Kasper, a 44-year resident of Yucaipa, passed away Tuesday, July 7,2009 at home surrounded by family members. The cause of death was lung failure. Daughter of a farmer, Betty was born in Homer Township, Will County, Illinois in September 1925. She remained there until 1945. There she met and married Verne W. Kasper on June 4, 1944. They moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Verne attended Arizona State University. Seeking a teaching position for Verne, they came to California, where they found a home and a job for Verne teaching machine shop, auto shop, drafting and driver training at Redlands High School. They remained there until after the opening of Yucaipa High School, where Verne continued his teaching career. Verne passed away in 1991. Betty continued an independent life at home until shortly before her death. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Beverly (John) Watterson; grandchildren John (Melanie) Watterson of Spokane, Washington, Ann (Husam) Yousef of Yucaipa, and Mark Watterson of Beaumont; and six great grandchildren. Betty was a happy homemaker, having the virtues of productivity, charity, tolerance, service and thrift. She enjoyed gardening, canning, photography, and being a central person in her family. She was a strong member of TOPS, the Antique Automobile Club of Palm Springs, the Yucaipa Senior Center, Naomi's Circle (Missionary support), and the Bryant Street Baptist Church. She enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and twice journeyed to the People's Republic of China. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 22,2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Emmerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapel at 35208 Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa California. Her friend and pastor Dr. Albert Terwilliger will preside. Burial will take place at Hillside Memorial Park in Redlands at 2:00p.m. that day. The family wishes to thank the staff of Conerstone Hospice and of Comfort Keepers in Yucaipa for the support and service given during the past months. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Cornerstone Hospice at 1461 East Cooley Drive, Suite 220,Colton, Ca 92324, or to the YHS Scholarship Committee at 3300 Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa, CA 92399.