Darlean J. Betker; Retired Nursing Director

Darlean J. Betker of Ventura, retired director of nursing at Ventura County Medical Center, died Monday at a local hospital after a long struggle with emphysema. She was 69.

Betker was born March 15, 1928, in San Francisco and was a 37-year Ventura County resident.

She worked as a registered nurse for 35 years and retired as nursing director at the medical center in 1996.

Betker was an inspiration to young nurses trying to find their way in a new profession, said Deborah Bartlett, the center’s nursing director.

Bartlett graduated from the Ventura College nursing program in 1985 and went to work for the medical center. Her boss was Betker.

“She was an excellent mentor,” Bartlett said. “I was a new nurse a little bit intimidated by the whole process. She encouraged me to move up in my career.

“She had a lot of strength,” she added.

Family members said Betker was a gourmet cook and accomplished pianist, and was fond of animals.

She is survived by five daughters: Anna Elizabeth Betker, Beatrice Marie Betker, Lisa Marie Reed, Julie Mary Schaab and Ruth Matakiewicz; one son, Edward Thomas Betker, and 13 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Monday at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ventura County Humane Society, 402 Bryant St., Ojai 93023, or the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Assn., Ventura County Chapter, 2630 Saddle Ave., No. 101, Oxnard 93030.

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Ventura County obituaries are published free of charge as a public service to readers. Obituaries are based on information provided by mortuaries.