Mary Elizabeth Thurston Bothel, 82, of Greeley, Colorado, passed away on February 2nd, 2011 at Bonell Good Samaritan Society. Betty was born on September 4, 1928, at home on the family farm in Knoxville, Iowa, to Charles F. and Mary Elizabeth (Wren) Caffrey. She married Ira Thurston of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota, the love of her life. Betty was valedictorian of her class and the captain of her basketball team. Over the course of her life, she managed business offices for several doctors and hospitals and owned an office supply business. She was an accomplished soloist and sang with the Denver Opera Company and the Greeley Chamber Choir. She loved to travel and try her luck at the slots. She is survived by 2 daughters, Gerianne McLeod of Juneau, Alaska, Maureen Kazmer of Greeley, several stepchildren, three grandchildren and 2 great grandsons. She was one of 10 children and is survived by two sisters, Joanne Wadle and Dorothy Patch of Iowa. A private family service will be held in Iowa. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in her memory.