Betty Iden

Lifelong Marysville, CA, and Yuba City, CA, resident Betty Colleen Iden, passed away on November 9, 2025, succumbing to the effects of a devastating stroke several weeks before.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donnell David Iden, in 2021. She persevered with her active life, engaging with her many friends and surrounded by family members.

It's a cliche, but Colleen could literally light up any room she entered. She was blessed with an over abundance of beauty, charm and charisma and used these qualities to talk her way out of traffic tickets, prevail in disputes with others, reign over the family as matriarch.

She began her professional career as a kindergarten teacher in Yuba City in the early 60s.

Several years later she was selected as Head Start Director in Gridley, CA, focusing on the educational, health and social-emotional needs of impoverished school children from one to five years of age.

In the evenings, she would work receiving guests at the Country Kitchen restaurant, assisting her husband, Donnell.

Her husband's career move to join Pacific Coast Producers at its headquarters in Santa Clara, CA.

In 1976, this prompted a career change for Colleen as well, as she began a 15 year stint as the Executive Director of the Santa Clara Camp Fire Girl organization.

A job far different than those she had had before, but one she handled with aplomb, increasing revenues for this non-profit entity and boosting overall membership.

Donnell and Colleen built new homes in Donner Lake, CA, and in Marysville, CA, where they enjoyed their years together in retirement.

Colleen was preceded in death by her loving son, John Christopher Iden on 12 March of this year.

She is survived by sons, Mark and Matt; daughter, Lisa; grandchildren, Matt, Eric and Mari Monroe as well as McKenzie, Taylor and Zachary Iden; daughters-in-law, Sanne Iden and Kimbery Iden; and son-in-law, Michael Monroe.

Funeral services will be held this next Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 11 AM, at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Marysville, CA.

This will be followed by a reception by Hillcrest Caterers at Hillcrest Plaza, Yuba City, CA, beginning after 12 PM.