The Santa Cruz community is remembering the life of Elizabeth “Betty” Powell, who passed away on May 6, 2026, at the age of 92. A lifelong resident of Santa Cruz County, Betty was known for her spirited personality, unwavering devotion to her family, and active involvement in the community she called home for decades.
Born in 1933 in San Francisco to Carlo and Paula Enrico, Betty moved to Santa Cruz as a young girl with her family. She attended local schools and graduated from Santa Cruz High School in 1951. From an early age, she learned the value of hard work, helping at her family’s service station on Swift Street and picking and selling fruit from the family’s Soquel home while balancing her studies.
In October 1951, Betty married Robert Dettle, and the couple welcomed their son, Mark R. Dettle, six years later. After the marriage ended in 1963, Betty built a successful career, working at Penniman Title, serving as a receptionist for a local eye doctor, and later joining the Santa Cruz Sentinel as a copy editor. It was there that she met Norman “Norm” Powell, whom she married in 1969.
Together, Betty and Norm built a life centered on family, friendship, and adventure. After living on Graham Hill Road for 16 years, they settled in Montevalle in Scotts Valley in 1985, where Betty spent the next 37 years. She embraced the close-knit community, enjoying time with friends, singing in the neighborhood choral group, relaxing by the pool, and welcoming conversations with everyone she met.
Travel was another passion the couple shared. Although Betty preferred to keep her feet on the ground rather than fly, she and Norm enjoyed memorable train journeys across the United States and numerous cruises. They also spent time skiing in Lake Tahoe, houseboating on the Delta, camping along the California coast, and gathering with close friends for dinners and dancing.
Family remained at the center of Betty’s life. She was a devoted wife and became the primary caregiver when Norm battled Parkinson’s disease for 13 years. As a single mother before her second marriage, she worked tirelessly to provide a stable and loving home for her son, Mark, encouraging his athletic pursuits and academic success while supporting him every step of the way.
Betty cherished spending time with her son, daughter-in-law Mary, grandchildren Lance and Megan, and later her great-grandchildren. She also maintained close relationships with Norm’s extended family, always welcoming visits and phone calls from loved ones.
Known for her lively and fearless personality, Betty never hesitated to speak her mind. One of her most memorable moments came at age 72 when she purchased a Hummer, delighting in the surprised reactions of people who saw the 4-foot-8-inch grandmother behind the wheel. She also loved striking up conversations with strangers wherever she went, making friends with ease.
A lifelong sports fan, Betty enjoyed playing basketball in her younger years and remained an enthusiastic supporter of the Golden State Warriors throughout her life. She and her son became season ticket holders for the Santa Cruz Warriors, and she attended her final game in March 2026, cheering every exciting three-point shot.
In her later years, Betty resided at Brookdale, where she became a familiar and beloved presence among residents and staff. Her outgoing nature ensured that everyone knew her, and she often joked that she could never “get away with anything” because she was greeted wherever she went.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Carlo and Paula Enrico; her brothers Charles Enrico; her first husband, Robert Dettle; and her second husband, Norman Powell. She is survived by her brother Andy Enrico, her son Mark R. Dettle and his wife Mary, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and many dear friends.
Her family plans to hold a celebration of Betty’s life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Santa Cruz County Hospice in her honor.
Betty Powell leaves behind a legacy of resilience, generosity, humor, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her memory will continue to live on through the family, friends, and community she cherished.