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Betty J. Colwell, 85, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2013, at The Gardens in Yuba City. She died of complications related to Alzheimer's Disease.
Betty was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on July 23, 1928. When her children were all school age, Betty returned to school to get her degree in elementary education, graduating in 1970 from the University of Portland. She continued her education and received her master's degree in 1971 and later earned her administrator's credential. Betty taught elementary school in Vancouver, Washington for 26 years. As a teacher she especially loved teaching science and topics related to aerospace. In 1981, at the invitation of NASA, she was present at the landing of the very first space shuttle. Betty also served as an adjunct professor for Evergreen State College teaching courses on aerospace and technology.
Betty was a life-long learner. She was an avid reader and loved technology. She was also a "people person" who loved getting to know people and their families. Betty enjoyed downhill skiing on Mt. Hood with her friends and family.
Betty has lived in Yuba City for the past 8 years and was a member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. She volunteered in several elementary school classrooms and was a volunteer with Fremont Rideout Auxillary, Sutter County Museum, and Mother Hubbards' Cupboard. Betty was a member of PEO, Chapter HA. She was a breast cancer survivor.
Betty was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Rex, and by her sisters Beverly Sanford and Joanne Dean.
She is survived by 5 children: Chriss (Ed) Camenzend, Beckie (Chris) Kersting, Joe Bjordal (Ken), Carole (Lloyd) Trilling, Rex (Stacy) Colwell, Jr. She had 10 grandchildren: Ryan Kersting, Corey Kersting, Barry Kersting, Aaron Trilling, Samantha Colwell, Marit Bjordal, Anne Marie Bjordal, Sonia Bjordal, Sarah Loe, and Adam Camenzend. Betty had 9 great grandchildren: Alexandra Kersting, Cameron Kersting, Kate Kersting, Matthew Kersting, Brooke Kersting, Andrew Kersting, Addison Kersting, Caleb Kersting, and Ella Loe. She is also survived by her niece, Jodi Gonzales.
A memorial service celebrating Betty's life will be conducted at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1390 Franklin Road, Yuba City, at 3:00pm this Sunday, November 3. Burial will be at a later date in Vancouver, Washington. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Betty's memory to The Gardens, 840 Washington, Yuba City, CA 95991, or to Fremont Rideout Hospice, 939 Live Oak Blvd., Yuba City, CA 95991.
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You will always live in our hearts and be known as "Grandma" Betty!!!
Albert, Ruth and Austin Fung
February 27, 2014
Ms. Colwell was my 5th grade teacher and left a lasting impression on me, she is one I've never forgotten. My prayers are with the family - she was a great lady!
Michelle Zimney
January 3, 2014
A Memorial Service for Betty will be held at Park Hill Cemetery on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 10:00 am. Please join us for the memorial and a reception following at Beaches Restaurant from 12-2.
Carole Colwell Trilling
January 1, 2014
Mrs. Colwell was one of my favorite teachers. I remember clearly all of the third grade classes gathering in her room to watch the space shuttle launch. She was truly amazing. Thank you for always being a great example to your students. Godspeed
Stephanie Orey
December 10, 2013
As I attended my mom's memorial service in Yuba City, California(where she lived the last years of her life) it struck me how she was being remembered, rightfully so in that community, as a sweet woman who gave of her time as an active volunteer in the community. Many people there shared heartfelt remembrances of mom and it was a beautiful service. That being said, as I drove away that day I couldn't help but think to myself "Yes, she was that person remembered today in the Yuba City community…but, in the prime of her life in Vancouver, she was so much more. When I read all of your warm, thoughtful, and loving comments that everyone has posted here I was very thankful that you also remembered the same person I did. From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of my and my sister's families, I thank you all for your kind remembrances of my mom.
Rex Colwell
November 15, 2013
I did not know Betty, but I am a union organizer for the Washington Education Association, and work closely with the Evergreen Education Association. Betty was a whipper-snapper, I am told, and served as the Interim President of the EEA during the 1973 strike. Betty had moxy, and was a great union advocate!
Lisa Lewison
November 5, 2013
BETTY COLWELL: Warm heart, sharp mind, unbridled curiousity, hearty laugh, outstanding teacher and collegue, full of life. Will. Be. Missed. Doug Hamilton
Doug Hamilton
November 3, 2013
Betty was a wonderful lady who was an inspiration to us all and a guiding light for one of my sons.
Jayne Carpenter
November 3, 2013
I was so sorry to learn of Betty's passing. I worked with her for many years and loved her sense of humor and her care and concern for her students. I am sure there are hundreds of children's lives that Betty touched in a positive way. She was a special person who will be missed and remembered by so many.
Priscilla Wright
November 2, 2013
Betty was always a teacher "on fire"! She was never afraid to tackle new trends in education, nor to speak her mind at union meetings; plus, she had a smile on her face everyday at BBC! Her students and fellow staff members were lucky indeed to have had her in their lives. Now I'll be wondering which star in the night sky is you, Betty.
Patty Larson
November 2, 2013
As my 3d grade teacher, Mrs. Colwell helped shape me into the loving, caring, honest man that I am today. Over 30 some years she has been in my thoughts often and I'm absolutely positive she will remain not only in my thoughts but my heart as well. I thank you, Betty. You were one of my favorites and I appreciate everything you did for me and thousands behind and before.
Brett Merle
November 1, 2013
What a sad day. We have missed Betty since she left Vancouver, we have never forgot her. May she rest peacefully. She will always be Grandma Betty.
Charlie,Tanya,Justin Spence
November 1, 2013
Betty was a wonderful person and a top notch professional. Hundreds of children benefitted from her teaching. She was a model for the rest of us. We are so sorry to hear of her passing.
Robert Garlett
November 1, 2013
Betty was a loving person, a top notch professional and a delight to be around. Hundreds of children benefitted from her teaching and care. She was always an example for the rest of us to follow. She is missed.
Robert and Pam Garlett
November 1, 2013
Rex, Stacy and family - we are saddened to hear of Betty's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Scott, Katrina & Katherine Munro
November 1, 2013
I am so sorry to learn of Betty's death. A lovely lady and a wonderful teaching colleague. An inspiration to teachers and students alike. Godspeed Betty.
Bill Ghormley
November 1, 2013
I am sending my sympathies & love to Betty's family. Although I have not seen Betty in many years, she will always be in my heart. She was so warm & loving to all of her children's friends & interested in our lives. We had a lot of laughs at the Colwell house. Bless you all and I am sorry for your loss. Suzy
Susan Dougherty-Guild
October 31, 2013
Betty was a very special person and very dear to us. We send our heart felt condolances. We will miss her.
With love, Beverly and Gary
October 30, 2013
Please accept our condolences for your loss. May warm memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
The Rideout Health Foundation
October 29, 2013
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
~
The Appeal Democrat Family
October 29, 2013
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