Betti May MacGregor-Kabot

Betti May MacGregor Kabot April 23, 1940 – July 11, 2026

Betti May MacGregor Kabot, née Brotzman, passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 23, 1940, in San Bernardino, California, to Jacob and Mazie Brotzman. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Mazie Lou; and her beloved husband, Gary Dillon Kabot. She is survived by her sister, Nana Kwock of North Carolina; her daughter, Brenda MacGregor; her son, Brian MacGregor; her grandsons, Jacob MacGregor and Timothy Lucia; her granddaughter, Jessica Lucia; Gary's brother, Matt Kabot, and his wife, Shelia; and many extended family members and dear friends who became family through the years. 

Independent, thoughtful, and endlessly curious, Betti lived a life shaped by learning, exploration, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in 1980, transforming a lifelong fascination with the earth into both a profession and a passion. 

Her career reflected that passion. Betti served San Bernardino County in Environmental Health and the Fire Department, specializing in water resource management. She also shared her knowledge as a substitute teacher in the Rialto Unified School District, taught geology at Chaffey College, and volunteered as a founding member and outdoor ambassador for the Redlands Conservancy's Chicago Colony, encouraging others to discover and appreciate the geology of Southern California. 

Whether standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon, visiting volcanoes, searching the desert for fossils, or watching whales migrate along the Pacific coast, Betti found joy in experiencing the beauty of the natural world. She believed the greatest adventures were those shared with family.

Together, Betti and Gary built a home filled with curiosity and conversation. Their display-case coffee table, filled with rocks, shells, fossils, and keepsakes gathered during their travels, became a favorite gathering place for children and adults alike. Every new treasure carried a story, and every story became part of the family's history. 

Betti also had a lifelong love of animals. Her dogs were cherished companions throughout her life, and after Gary's passing, Billy and Newfie brought her comfort, companionship, and unwavering devotion. 

Those who knew Betti will remember her quiet strength, gentle wisdom, adventurous spirit, and generous heart. She inspired others not only through what she knew, but through her enthusiasm for discovering something new and sharing it with those she loved. 

Her legacy lives on in her family, in the memories they cherish, and in the curiosity and appreciation for the natural world that she passed on to future generations. 

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. 

Service and Celebration of Life details will be forthcoming.