Colleen Kay Betz was born to Mirl and Beatrice Boner on October 23, 1945. She passed away on July 5, 2011 surrounded by her family after a courageous battle against cancer.
Colleen grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado before moving to LaPorte her senior year of high school. Colleen married Clarence Betz on February 14, 1963. Clarence and Colleen worked at the Fort Collins Sales Yard, which was owned by Clarence's parents until they moved to a farm in Wellington. In 1974, Clarence and Colleen purchased a ranch and farm in Burlington, Wyoming.
Colleen enjoyed many hobbies such as quilting, gardening, sewing and cooking. Colleen will be especially remembered for her love and nurturing of her own children, grandchildren and children in the community. Colleen was a community leader for the Swinging Cloverleaf Club for 38 years. Her consistent encouragement, open mind and enthusiasm for the youth to grow and learn was appreciated and gleaned by generations of 4-H families. She was an invaluable resource of honesty, knowledge and experience which was utilized by each Big Horn County Youth Educator, 4-H member, leader and family. She will be deeply missed by all.
Colleen is survived by son Justin (Christine) and grandchildren Nick, Josh, Eli and Megan; daughter Kasey (Steve) Sheridan and granddaughter Kaitlin; grandson's Tukker and Kwinn, children of Colleen's son Shannon Betz, who preceded Colleen in death; sister Judy Ahlbrandt and brothers Jim Boner, Robert Boner, foster brother Pat Santistevan; foster sister, Linda Roth and sister-in-law Lavonne Pratt. Colleen was preceded in death by her husband Clarence.
Memorial Services to be held on July 11, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the L.D.S. church in Burlington, Wyoming. Interment to follow at Mount View Cemetery in Basin, Wyoming.