Betty Jean Dodgen - Mundt

Betty passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025. Betty was born on March 9, 1933, to her parents, Ruby Lee and John William Woodiel, in Austin, Arkansas. Betty was the youngest of four children: Syble, John William “JW,” and Freddie. Betty’s brother, Freddie, died at an early age, and her Mother, Ruby, died when she was 12. Her sister, Syble, became Betty's motherly figure in their own mother’s absence. From an early age, Betty attended her father’s school, where he was a principal and she graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1951.

Betty attended Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, from 1951 to 1955 and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in art. She met John Campbell Dodgen there, and they were married in the chapel at Hendrix College on August 9, 1956. After graduation, Betty was one of five Arkansas women awarded wings as stewardesses on American Airlines, where she served for about a year. 

Betty and John moved to Oakland, California, where John completed his Psychiatric Residency at the Naval Base. In 1959, their first child, Dana Lee, was born, followed by her brothers, Douglas Preston in 1961 and David Campbell in 1962. Then, the family moved to San Diego, where Daniel Ethan was born in 1965.

Betty was an extraordinary mother—full of love, talent, and support for her four children. She filled their home with warmth, creativity, and the aroma of her delicious homemade meals. She celebrated each of her children’s unique gifts, always encouraging them to pursue their passions.

 Betty was also deeply committed to education and fostering creativity in children. At the height of her career as an art teacher, she worked tirelessly to create an inspiring environment where young artists could thrive. Her classroom was always alive, with students fully engaged in creative projects, from crafting ceramic masterpieces to designing and silk-screening their shirts. Betty gave all of herself to her work, believing in the power of art to inspire and build confidence. She and John played a pivotal role in founding The Children's School in San Diego, which still provides opportunities for children of all abilities. Betty served as the school's art teacher for many years, impacting countless young lives. She was a remarkable teacher with an incredible gift for art and cooking, and she poured her heart into everything she did. 

Betty went back to school to complete her classes toward a Masters Degree and also her Doctorate in psychology.

Betty and John divorced in 1980 after 24 years of marriage. After a lovely courtship, Betty wed Lenus (Len) Mundt on July 22, 1990, in Sacramento, CA., with the family all around her. Len was by her side every step of the way, and he immediately became a beloved family member to her children. Betty and Len truly loved each other, sharing a beautiful partnership filled with adventure, kindness, and devotion. They traveled together, visiting family across the country and hosting loved ones in their homes in Sacramento, Canton, and Akron, Ohio. Betty’s children will always be grateful for Len’s unwavering love and support for their mother and for the happiness he brought into her life. Len is the one the kids consider their grandfather. Since June last year, Betty and Len have resided at Brookdale Assisted Living in Canton, OH.

 Betty is survived by her husband, Lenus “Len” Mundt; three children Dana (Michael) Hayes of Canton, OH, Douglas (Susan) Dodgen of San Diego, CA, and Daniel (Pam) Dodgen of Irvine, CA; seven grandchildren, Dustin (Nicole) Dodgen, Benjamin Hayes, Derick (Briana) Dodgen, Lindsey Hayes, Savannah Dodgen, Nathan (Sara) Hayes and Kane Dodgen; Great-grandchild, Leon; Nieces, Mary Jo Smith of Atlanta, GA., Marcia Sims of Ward, AR.,

Debbie & Bill Smith of Powell, TN, nephews Jack & Pam Woodiel of Dallas, TX, Chris & Fran Woodiel, and many other second cousins. She is also survived by Len’s children: James Mundt of CA, Jack(Trae) Mundt of Las Vegas. NV, John(Elish Mundt of Castalian Springs, TN, Janis(Michael) Platts of East Lyme, CT; six grandchildren: Wesley Mundt, Darla (Moises) Mendez, Erica Ecker, Andrea Williams, Jacob Mundt; four great grandchildren: Cedar Leveralt, Amelia Williams, Kiah Mendez, Remi Mendez.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepmother, Fannie Woodiel; many Aunts and Uncles to whom she was close; her sister, Syble (Henry) Sims Austin, AR; brothers, JW. (Dorothy) Woodiel, Luling, LA and Freddie Woodiel Austin, AR; Nephew Larry Sims, Ward, AR; her grandson Evan Dodgen, Long Beach. CA in 2007; and son David Dodgen, Encinitas, CA, in 2020.

Betty will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, and dedication to education. She touched the lives of so many through her art, teaching, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy of kindness and passion will live on in those lucky enough to know her.