Bettye Margaret Richardson a resident of Bakersfield for the past year passed away January 6, 2009. Bettye was born March 17, 1926 in Hedley, Texas to Elbert and Lola (Simmons) Hooker. Her brother Larry died at birth and Bettye was raised as the only child. The family moved to Kansas City, Kansas and later when Bettye was a teenager they moved to Long Beach, California. Bettye attended Long Beach Junior College and went on to earn her teaching degree from Whittier College. She taught in Visalia at Redwood High School for 30 years. Bettye married Cosler Mitchell June 29, 1952 and he preceded her in death in 1982. Bettye married Ralph Richardson who passed away in 1991. Bettye enjoyed traveling and belonged to the Sequoia Sams, an RV group. Bettye was heavily involved with Job's Daughters, serving as the Grand III Messenger and was a member of the Eastern Star. She was also a sponsor for American Field Service helping to place several foreign exchange students. While living in Visalia she was a member of the Church of Christ. She moved to Bakersfield to be near her son and attended the Shafter Mennonite Brethren Church. Bettye is survived by her children, Robert A. Mitchell and wife Tanya of Bakersfield and Virginia Stemen and husband Robert of Monrovia; and 2 grandchildren, Smith A. Mitchell of Berkley and Morgan E. Mitchell of Bakersfield. Bettye was preceded in death by her parents, brother, two husbands.