Pontiac – Betty Ochoa, 89, of Pontiac, passed away at 2:15 pm, August 13,2026, at St. James-John Albrecht Medical Center, Pontiac.

Cremation has been accorded.

Betty was born March 16, 1937, in Macksville, KS, the daughter of Ivan and Ethel Hamilton Ansel. They preceded her in death. She married Candelario “Candy” Ochoa. He died in 2000.

Surviving are her children, Martha (Jeff) Williams of Colfax, Becky (Gary) Sparks of Kansas City, MO, Felicia (Don) Gosch of Midland, TX, and Kelly Ochoa of Lexington; grandchildren, Rene (John) Thomas, Marc Perez, Nichol Short, Angela (Joe) Brewer, Jared (Ilyana) Williams, Brandi (Richard) Pyeatt, Brodi (Rayne) Gosch, Jospeh (Amanda) Gosch, Kirsten Jones, Brandon (Diana) Buck, Blaine (Scott) Schuetz, and Cody (Veronica) Ochoa; and 24 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Doug Ochoa; granddaughter, Shannon Ochoa, Siblings Verlin “Sonny” Ansel and Opal Ansel.

Betty was a hardworking woman who never hesitated to lend a helping hand. She was a true giver of her time and possessions. Friendly and warmhearted, she never met a stranger.

She had a special love for animals. It seemed she was always surrounded by stray animals, and if one needed a little love or a helping hand, she was there. Her compassionate heart extended far beyond her family, and not even a stray animal was ever truly a stranger to her.

Betty loved to dance and knew how to have a good time. She was the funnest grandma-the one who brought laughter and her fun-loving spirit.

Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved being surrounded by them and was their biggest cheerleader-quite literally. She was the grandma who was in the stands, hooting and hollering, cheering and celebrating every accomplishment.

Betty leaves behind a beautiful legacy of hard work, generosity, laughter, and unconditional love and family.