Elizabeth J. McJilton

Elizabeth "Betty" Jean McJilton of LaPorte, Colorado passed away February 21, 2025 at the age of 87. She was surrounded by her family when she passed after battling endometrial cancer for 2 years.
Elizabeth Jean Bourgeois was born July 19, 1937 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where she grew up and graduated from Glenbard High School. After high school she met Charles McJilton while working as a telephone operator. They were married in April 1958 and were together for 62 years before his passing in 2020.
Betty, Charles and their family moved from Illinois to Colorado in 1971 after vacationing there a year earlier. They bought a house with 7 acres of land. Betty was very involved in the family's activities, growing a large garden, raising sheep, cattle, chickens and ducks, as well as numerous dogs and cats. Most of the cats and dogs were strays that she would discourage feeding or allowing them in the house. But in the end they all came in and were part of the family.
During her years of homemaking, Betty became an excellent cook and baker making most meals from scratch with fresh ingredients from their garden as well as homemade bread and baked goods. Betty was known for her easy going personality, and her light hearted wit. Betty enjoyed reading and watching a good cooking show.
Betty and Charles were leaders of the neighborhood 4-H club, encouraging their children to participate. She was also a member of the local Extension Homemakers Club. Betty was a member of St. Joseph's Parish in Fort Collins since 1971 and prepared meals for the priests over the years.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Charles, parents Otto and Edith, brothers Arthur and Robert, and sisters Dorothy and Louise. She is survived by daughters Deborah and Marilyn, and son Charles (spouse Rebecca). She is also survived by her brother Martin.
There will be no service or celebration of life. Anyone who would wish to make a donation in her name, please consider the Food Bank for Larimer County or Volunteers of America Colorado.