Elizabeth E. Reynolds

Elizabeth Ellen Reynolds, affectionately known as Libby, peacefully passed away on September 17, 2025, at the age of 93, with her daughter at her bedside. Born at home, in rural Pennsylvania, amidst the winter of 1932, Libby grew up during the Great Depression Era, learning the importance of hard work, simplicity, and community.

Libby's strong roots and values were shaped by her childhood and her parents, Clifford and Pearl Bortz, former school teachers turned dairy farmers. As a young girl, Libby began dreaming of going to college, and at the age of 14, she started a small business, growing and selling strawberries and pansies, plus selling eggs, from the Bortz farm, for her college fund.

During the summer of 1954, life forever changed for Libby in just three short weeks, when she graduated from Pennsylvania State College with a degree in Home Economics, married her college sweetheart Joe, and moved to California, where she lived for more than 70 years, before finally moving to Colorado in 2021, to be closer to family.

Libby and Joe made their long-time home in Williams, California, where they raised three children, and became an integral part of the community. Both were school teachers, Libby in Colusa for nearly 20 years, and Joe in Williams. They were married for 42 years before Joe passed away.

A devoted wife, mother, and friend, Libby was always willing to lend a helping hand. She volunteered at the Community Church and participated in community and county events; both Libby and Joe worked with the Laubach literacy program after retiring. Libby's love for learning and dedication to others showed in everything she did.

Libby's creative spirit and love for crafts were evident in her many hobbies, including crocheting, embroidering, and quilting. For years she hosted a craft booth at the Colusa Fairgrounds, selling her handmade items under the name "Mrs. Strawberry's Creations." Her talents and creativity earned her numerous awards and recognition at County and State Fairs.

Libby's life was blessed with a rich heritage of faith from past generations; she was faithful and true throughout her life to the Lord, her family, her friends, and to her commitments. The verses of Psalms 121 became an important treasure to Libby and her family when Libby's mother, Pearl, bequeathed those scriptures to her descendants in her will: "I lift my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord…" (The Bible, RSV). What a special gift this was for Libby to carry throughout her life.

Elizabeth Reynolds is survived by her cherished family, including her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Yuriko Reynolds; her daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and David Clouse; her son-in-law, Pete Tyler; her three grandsons, Matthew Clouse, Michael Clouse, and Patrick Tyler; her six great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph; infant son, Stanley; daughter, Laura; her parents, Clifford and Pearl; and her siblings, Eugene and Ethel.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held to honor Libby, and to also remember her daughter Laura, who passed away in 2020. The service will take place at the Community Church in Williams, California, at 10am, on November 15, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Williams Community Church memorial fund.

The family wishes to thank the great Staff at Life Care Center of Stonegate, in Parker, Colorado, in caring for their Mother so wonderfully, and to also thank the Choice Hospice angels that provided additional TLC for their Mother's last month.

Libby's life was a testament to her strong faith, which guided her through every challenge. Her legacy will live on through her family, the countless lives she touched, and the memories she created forever in our hearts.