Betty (BJ) Nearhoff
courtesy photo
Betty Nearhoff
THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA — Betty Nearhoff passed away in Thousand Oaks, California, on March 21, 2015.
BJ was born in Los Angeles, Oct. 12, 1927, and lived there until her retirement in 1991, when she moved to Polson to be near her mother Mabel Madson.
She had a wonderful musical career during her teenage years, playing saxophone in a band known as “The Hollywood Kids.” The group traveled with the USO many places along with playing at the Hollywood Canteen and appeared in two movies during the 1940s. Her many friends will cherish the scarves she knitted, as will her grandchildren and her sister’s grandchildren cherish their baby blankets that were so special.
BJ is preceded in death by her parents and husbands, a stepson Robert Conway and a grandson Travis Weidner.
She leaves behind her sister Arlene Kintz (Richard) and Arlene’s grandchildren who affectionately called her “Aunty Grandma Betty;” her son, Randal Weidner (Connie); a grandson, Eric Weidner (Marisa); and great-grandsons, Lucas and Collin Weidner; a step-daughter Catherine Coleman and her son Blake Coleman (Katie).
A tribute to Betty from Catherine is as follows: “My beloved stepmom, Betty, passed away this morning in Thousand Oaks, California. Betty was one of those of that phenomenal group that grew up during the depression and WWII, sacrificed, always worked very hard, and never complained about how they spent their youth. I never knew her to do or say anything small or mean. More than anyone I’ve known, she enjoyed people, everyone she met, and everywhere she went. Betty’s generosity to her entire family, her friends and communities and to me was endless. I am clearly in debt to Betty for every good thing that ever happened to me. She got me a job, which led me to college, my husband, (and our son), my faith and all the delightful things that have come from those elements. I never stopped learning from her and feel incredibly lucky that she was my Mom.”
Her son, Randall recalls, “Mom was always fun-loving, kind and generous. She spent her entire professional career in banking. Her cheery, positive personality ultimately led to a position in Beverly Hills, California, working as the personal banker to many celebrity and high profile clients. She took great pride in being entrusted with that responsibility. Through all of her personal trials and tribulations, she always put her children first. For that, I am eternally grateful.”
A memorial service will take place later this summer.
