Elizabeth Leona 'Betty' Stephenson,08 Jun 1930 - 24 Jan 2022

STEPHENSON, SCHMICKLE, MARTIN

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 5/27/2022 at 13:17:21

Elizabeth "Betty" Leona Stephenson 91 passed away on January 25, 2022, at her home in Brighton, Colorado. Betty was born on June 8, 1930, at the family farm near Lafayette, Center Point, IA. She was the daughter of Spencer and Clista (Schmickle) Stephenson. Betty attended the country school near her home and graduated from Alburnett High School. She was active in sports and 4-H.

Betty attended Iowa State University graduating with a bachelor's degree in Home Economics. She was absent from graduation as she was on a ship going to England and Wales through the International Farm Youth Exchange Program. This was the beginning of yearly reunions that took her to places around the world making many friends. She would never miss the time spent with the IFYE organization and her friends.

After graduating she taught at Williamsburg, IA then to Colorado at Lakewood Area and Gunnison. Betty then moved to Brighton, CO where she taught High School Home Economics for 32 years.

She pursued more education at University of Colorado where she got a master's degree in Education, Psychology and Counseling. Through the years she served on many committees in her church, college and IFYE programs. After retiring from teaching Betty worked with senior citizen programs. She won many awards for her accomplishments.

Betty took great pride in her yard, the church flower beds and especially her roses. Her yearly trips to Iowa included working on the landscape of her farm. She enjoyed time with her family and meeting her many nieces and nephews. Betty enjoyed golfing and it was special to golf with family.

Betty was an outstanding person and made many new friends throughout the years. Her plan was to move back to Iowa, but God had another plan. Her family and friends mourn her passing but know she is in a better place. Betty's farewell words to us would have been "I go in Peace and Love One Another".

Betty is survived by a sister, Lois Martin of Marion, IA two brothers, Howard (Donna) Lea of Woodburne, OR Harold (Donna Mae) of Center Point, IA and ninety-six nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by parents, a brother Wayne and wife Kay of Georgia a brother-in-law Loyd Martin of Marion, IA & nephew Chase Martin of Springville, IA.
The body was cremated per her wishes. Services were at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Brighton, CO on Saturday, February 26, 2022 and a later date will be set in Lafayette, IA where she will be buried.

Memorials may be directed to Brighton 1st Presbyterian Church, 510 South 27th Avenue, Brighton, CO 80601 or charity of your choice. Tabor Funeral Home, Brighton, CO handled arrangements.

Published in The Gazette on May 15, 2022.