Betty Trowbridge

Betty Jane Trowbridge
September 11, 1920 - January 5, 2014

Betty Jane Trowbridge passed away peacefully at Larchwood Inn following a brave battle against a long term illness.
She was born to George and Ethel Trowbridge on September 11, 1920, in Estherville, Iowa. At the age of six, she moved with her parents and sister, Jean, to Stuart, Iowa where she grew up, graduating from Stuart High School in 1939. She attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, earning a certificate in primary education. Betty taught school in Linden, Iowa from 1939 -1943, when she moved to Washington, D.C. to work for the FBI. At the end of World War II she returned to Iowa, where she taught first and third grades in Stuart and Des Moines, Iowa.
In 1973 Betty returned to Drake University to earn a degree in journalism. She worked for the State Library of Iowa until her retirement in 1985. During these years she commuted to Des Moines from Stuart, where she made a comfortable home for her father.
She was a quiet woman who did not seek the center stage. She had a lively intelligence and a shy sense of humor, which could bring unexpected laughter to her friends. She took an active interest in poitics. A child of the Great Depression, she was always on the side of the unfortunate.
Betty was a lover of beauty, whether in an Iowa prairie sunset, or the eyes of a young child. Her flower garden was admired by her neighbors and passersby.
To her nieces and nephews she was beloved, Aunt Bet. She was an inspiration to them as she sought to knit an intricate sweater, cook a perfect dinner, or pull a stubborn weed from her garden.
Following her father's death Betty remained in the family home in Stuart, enjoying the pleasures of life in a small town. In 1998 Betty moved to Grand Junction to be near her sister, Jean Tyler, and her husband, Dr. Donald Tyler. Here she made new friends, joining A.A.U.W., an expert quilters' group, and maintained her home in the Vineyard. She was a member of First United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her sister, Jean Tyler, and brother-in-law, Dr. Donald Tyler of Grand Junction; sister-in-law, Darlene Trowbridge of Des Moines, Iowa; eight nieces and nephews, David Tyler (Kirsten), Palisade, CO; Andrea Tyler (James Papian), Washington D.C.; Stephen Tyler (Sandy), Pella, IA.; Lissa Tyler (Mike Larson), Edwards, CO; George Trowbridge (Debra) Des Moines, IA; Renee Hoy (Jerry) Grimes, IA; nine great nieces and nephews and eight great grandnieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ethel Trowbridge, and a brother, James.
A family memorial service will be held in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Western Slope Center for Children, 259 Grand Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501.