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In Memory

Betty Lou Rupert (Moss) - Class Of 1948 VIEW PROFILE

Betty Lou Rupert (Moss)

 

Betty Lou Moss

Jul. 6, 1931 - Mar. 19, 2018

Moss, Betty Rupert, 86, passed away peacefully at home on March 19th, 2018 of natural causes.

Born in South Bend, Indiana, she was a precocious and independent child, who began her career in modeling while still in high school. She was one of the top five models in Chicago for national corporate print ads and television commercial filming. She went on to enjoy a very successful career in Chicago on live television, hosting a nighttime interview program on NBC. She gave up her career when she moved to California in 1958 with her husband and first-born son.

She embraced community life in Orange County and became a tireless and enthusiastic volunteer, even after the arrival of her second son. Her interests and involvement were wide-ranging - and her leadership skills were recognized early. She served as an officer in the St. Joseph Hospital Guild and was eventually elected president of the Orange County Medical Auxiliary from 1963 - 1965. She served on the board of the Santa Ana-Tustin Community Chest in the 1960s and inaugurated the Red Feather Ball to benefit the Community Chest, which served 36 agencies as a precursor to the United Way. She joined the Assistance League of Santa Ana in 1962 and chaired many committees while an active member.

She remained a supporter throughout her life, developing life-long friendships that she treasured. She had a special fondness for then-Chapman College, now Chapman University. She was one of three founding members of Town & Gown in 1967, an Orange County-wide membership organization dedicated to fostering a collegial spirit that would integrate the campus into the surrounding community, as well as to provide scholarships for deserving students. She later served as president of the organization and was made an Honorary Life Member in 2008. The organization is still active to this day.

Her visibility as a community leader resulted in many appearances in The Orange County Register throughout the years. As a result, she appeared on the "Best Dressed" list so often that the paper ultimately bestowed her with "Hall of Fame" distinction. Betty was also a member of The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, Laguna Art Museum, The Fashionables (Chapman University), Crescendo Chapter (Segerstrom Center for the Arts) and a longtime supporter of The Wooden Floor. She later returned to the working world when she was hand-picked by David S. Tappan, Jr., then-Chairman and CEO, Fluor Corporation, to establish the Orange County Business Committee for the Arts (OCBCA) in 1981.

She served as Founding Executive Director for the 28 years the organization thrived under her leadership. She worked closely with top executives from every industry in the county to increase support from business to a growing community of arts organizations.

When she retired in 2009, the board voted that she had so successfully fulfilled the mission of the OCBCA, that it should be retired along with her. She received many accolades during her nonprofit career including being named one of "Ten Women Making a Difference in Orange County" in 1993 by OC METRO magazine and was recognized by South Coast Metro Alliance and the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce with a Hall of Fame Community Spirit Award at their annual Hall of Fame Awards presentation ceremony in April 2008. The same year she was presented with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition and a framed Proclamation document from the OC Board of Supervisors in recognition of her contributions to the community.

Betty is survived by her two sons and daughters-in law and 4 grandchildren. Her grace, style, elegance and dignity were apparent to all who knew her. She was admired by many and loved by her family and a wide circle of dear friends. Her life will be celebrated at Balboa Yacht Club (1801 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar) on Saturday, April 14th, 12-4 PM. (RSVP: celebratebettymoss@gmail.com). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Assistance League of Santa Ana (1037 West First Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703).

Published in Orange County Register on Mar. 25, 2018

 
01/18/2021 DEC

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