Betty Jean ("BJ") DeWitt

Betty Jean DeWitt, AKA “BJ” and “Sweet BJ to You” was born to Byrdie Hoyez and Dwayne Brown on October 5, 1931, in Yakima, Washington.  She and her mother and grandparents traveled around following the crops during her early years.  She lived in Seattle, WA as a young child, and moved to Chiloquin, OR where she lived and went to school until the family moved to Lakeview in the late 1940’s BJ graduated from Lakeview High School in 1950 and went to OIT in Klamath Falls to become a dental assistant. There she met Ernie Guthrie and they were married in 1951.  After having and raising children they were divorced, and she married Theodore (Eddie) DeWitt in 1972.  She moved to Yreka, CA for a short time in 1974 and lived on Easy Street before coming back to Lakeview where she lived until she went to Heaven with Jesus, on June 30, 2022.

BJ worked at the Shamrock Restaurant for her aunt and then bartended until she began working for the Fremont National Forest in the 60’s.  She worked for 17 years and retired because of a disability in her eyes.  She attended Lakeview Ministries from its beginning until her death.  She was part of the Healing Team, the Food Pantry, and Prayer Ministries which were very dear to her heart.  She scrapbooked, sewed, cooked, crocheted, and loved to garden.  Her dachshunds were her pride and joy and she spoiled them rotten (sometimes more than her grandchildren).  She liked to hunt, rockhound, fish, paint, and get wood with Eddie.  But her passion was for Jesus Christ her Savior.

BJ is survived by her daughter, Sandi (Steve) Johnson, two sons: Mike Guthrie and Terry Guthrie; her grandchildren Shannon (Crystal) Johnson, Ryan (Shannon) Johnson, and Chad (Tara) Guthrie.  She is also survived by her stepchildren Pat (Bubbles) DeWitt, Elisabeth DeWitt, and her daughter-in-law Trish DeWitt.  She has many grandchildren, many more great-grandchildren, and a few great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Byrdie and stepdad Leonard Watson; first husband Ernie Guthrie, husband Theodore (Eddie) DeWitt, Edward (Eddie) DeWitt, Mike DeWitt, Debbie Guthrie, and great-grandson Kyle Johnson.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Gathering Place in Lakeview, on Friday, July 8, 2022, at 11:00 AM with a potluck to follow the service. Private committal will take place at the Westside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made in BJ’s memory to the Lakeview Ministries, 3 North F Street, Lakeview, OR 97630, to Oregon Right to Life, 4335 River Rd North, Keizer, OR 97303, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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