Betty Jean Espindola

Betty Jean Espindola passed away Tuesday, January 19, 2010 in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was 58 years old. She was born in Pocatello, Idaho to James and Frieda Buzzard on August 20, 1951.

Betty grew up in the Alameda area until 1959 when her family moved to the south end of Pocatello near the family business. She attended school in Pocatello. Betty lived in American Falls for a short time, working as a waitress at Roger's Café, then later at Lamb Weston, where she met Joe Espindola. They were married on March 19, 1971. Betty and Joe each had children from previous marriages: Betty had a daughter (Mindie) and Joe had two sons and two daughters (Michael, Mario, Maggie, and Maricella). Together they had twin sons (Joseph and James).

Betty continued to work, driving truck in the spud fields, while raising her children. In 1979 she started her career with School Food Service for Pocatello School District No. 25. She started as a lunch lady at Alameda Jr. High. After a few years, she transferred to Irving Jr. High where she eventually became the head cook. She moved up the ladder again when she was promoted to the position of Assistant Coordinator/Purchaser for the District's school lunch program. In 2008 she was promoted to Food Service Coordinator. Betty was proud of her career achievements, but most treasured her time as a lunch lady. She mentioned numerous times how much she loved all of the lunch ladies she had the opportunity to work with.

Betty loved spending time with her family, whether it was holidays at her house, camping or going to the stock car races. She was an excellent photographer " her photographs won numerous ribbons at the Eastern Idaho State Fair. She was happiest spending time with her grandchildren, whom she loved and adored.

Betty is survived by: her husband Joe; her daughter Mindie Shepherd and her daughters Kayla and Richell; her son Joseph Espindola, his wife Jodi and their daughters Emilee and Antonia; her son James Espindola and his daughters Joni and Katelyn; her daughter Maggie Carter, her husband Steve Carter, their daughter Amanda and son Jacob; her son Michael Espindola, his daughters Ashley, Eerika, and Jade, and son Justin; her son Mario Espindola, wife Stacy and their daughter Gabrielle; her daughter Maricella Espindola, her son Barrett, daughter Amber, and Amber's son Triston Wolf; her sister Peggy Nelson and her husband Adam Nelson; her brother Michael Buzzard and his wife Connie; and numerous nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter.

Our memories of her will live on forever in our hearts and minds. She will be greatly missed, but we'll see her again when we get there. Memorial donations can be made to the Idaho Food Bank's Backpack Program.

Services dates and times appear under the "Service Schedule" tab above.