Elizabeth J. Hite

Betty was born Elizabeth Josephine McLennan in Litchfield Park, AZ on September 21, 1930 to Mary Elizabeth (Coppinger) McLennan and Edward Franklin McLennan. The family relocated to Redlands, California and Betty attended Redlands High School.

Betty worked for the U. S Forest Service for over 30 years, from 1956 to 1987. Her work with the Forest Service included the title of Director of the National Media Office West where she served as liaison and technical advisor to the TV and movie production industry, working on movies and TV series, most notably the Lassie show. Betty was also instrumental in the Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl campaigns for fire safety and anti-pollution.

Betty and her first husband Herbert J. Conrad Jr. had two sons Michael and Jeffrey. Her second marriage was to Woodard (Woody) Vannoy Hite in 1977. Woody passed in 1993. Betty is also survived by four granddaughters Becky, Lara, Kylie and Lily; great grandchildren Tyler and Jenna; daughters-in-law Rita and Shelly; former daughter-in-law Mary; cousins Betty, Donna, Laura and Vernon; and many friends and extended family that she loved very much.

No public services will be held. A private family service will be held in the future.