February 1, 1927 – April 28, 2026
Betty Jane (West) Costales Liddicoat passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her home in Los Altos, California on April 28, 2026, after a brief illness at the age of 99.
She was born on February 1, 1927, in Terre Haute, IN to Gilbert and Helen (Reinhart) West. After graduating from Gerstmeyer Technical High School, Betty worked as a flight attendant with United Airlines. Her love of travel began during these years and remained one of the great joys of her life.
After she relocated to San Francisco while at United, she met her first husband, Charles Robert (Bob) Costales, whom she married in 1953 at Carmel by the Sea. Together they built a loving family, first living in Palo Alto, CA, where they welcomed their first two children, John and David. The family later moved to Arlington Heights, IL, where two additional children, James and Susan, were born. Eventually, they returned to California in 1968, where Betty resided in Los Altos for the remainder of her life.
She was widowed in 1977 with the death of her first husband, Bob. Later in life, she was fortunate to find love again and married Kenneth Liddicoat in 1989. They shared many happy years together until his passing in 2025.
An avid traveler, Betty embraced opportunities to see the world and visited many countries throughout her life. She especially cherished spending several weeks each year in Mexico, where she enjoyed the warmth, beauty, and friendships she found there.
Betty had many interests. She was a highly skilled bridge player, earning the distinction of ACBL Life Master in 1995 and Ruby Life Master in 2017. The game brought her both an intellectual challenge and lasting friendships, and she greatly enjoyed the many hours spent at the bridge table. During and after the Covid pandemic, she continued playing bridge online with cherished local and global partners. She also was an accomplished bowler and enjoyed dancing, gardening, and happy hour with a Manhattan by her pool.
Above all, she treasured her family. She will be remembered for her warmth, resilience, adventurous spirit, and devotion to those she loved. Her kindness, curiosity, and enthusiasm for life touched everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Silvers; her sons, John, David (Althea), and James (Elaine) Costales; and her daughter Susan (Kris) Costales Toscano. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Matthew (Elizabeth) Giblin, Crystal Costales, Sarah Shaw, Jamie (Andrew) Vizer, Robin Costales, Alexis Costales, Robert Costales, and Nicole Costales; ten great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Bob, her second husband, Ken; and her sister, Barbara Jean Collins.
A private memorial service and a celebration of life were held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
Her long and remarkable life was marked by love, family, friendship, travel, and an enduring appreciation for the people and places that brought her joy. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
