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Betty Colwell Obituary


BETTY J. COLWELL
July 23,1928 ~ October 25, 2013

Betty J. Colwell, 85, an 8-year resident of Yuba City, CA, passed away on Oct. 25, from complications related to Alzheimer's Disease. She was born in Sioux City, IA and lived in Vancouver, WA for 48 years.
As a young mother, Betty returned to school to get her degree in Elementary Education, a Master's degree, and her Administrative credential.
Betty taught elementary school in Evergreen School District for 26 years and especially loved teaching aerospace science. In 1981, at the invitation of NASA, she was present at the landing of the first space shuttle. Betty served as adjunct professor for Evergreen State College.
Betty was a life-long learner and an avid reader who loved technology. She was a "people person" who loved getting to know people and their families. She was an active volunteer in her community and a breast cancer survivor.
Betty is survived by five children: Chriss (Ed) Camenzend, Beckie (Chris) Kersting, Joe (Ken) Bjordal, Carole (Lloyd) Trilling and Rex (Stacy) Colwell, Jr.; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Rex; and by her sisters, Beverly and Joanne.
A memorial service will be conducted at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1390 Franklin Rd., Yuba City, CA at 3:00 p.m., Sun., Nov. 3.
A public graveside service will be held at Park Hill Cemetery in Vancouver, WA, on Saturday, January 4, 2014, at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations be made to Fremont Rideout Foundation, 989 Plumas, Yuba City, CA 95991.
Please sign her guestbook at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Nov. 1, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Betty Colwell

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You will always live in our hearts and be known as "Grandma" Betty!!!

Albert, Ruth and Austin Fung

February 27, 2014

Ms. Colwell was my 5th grade teacher and left a lasting impression on me, she is one I've never forgotten. My prayers are with the family - she was a great lady!

Michelle Zimney

January 3, 2014

A Memorial Service for Betty will be held at Park Hill Cemetery on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 10:00 am. Please join us for the memorial and a reception following at Beaches Restaurant from 12-2.

Carole Colwell Trilling

January 1, 2014

Mrs. Colwell was one of my favorite teachers. I remember clearly all of the third grade classes gathering in her room to watch the space shuttle launch. She was truly amazing. Thank you for always being a great example to your students. Godspeed

Stephanie Orey

December 10, 2013

As I attended my mom's memorial service in Yuba City, California(where she lived the last years of her life) it struck me how she was being remembered, rightfully so in that community, as a sweet woman who gave of her time as an active volunteer in the community. Many people there shared heartfelt remembrances of mom and it was a beautiful service. That being said, as I drove away that day I couldn't help but think to myself "Yes, she was that person remembered today in the Yuba City community…but, in the prime of her life in Vancouver, she was so much more. When I read all of your warm, thoughtful, and loving comments that everyone has posted here I was very thankful that you also remembered the same person I did. From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of my and my sister's families, I thank you all for your kind remembrances of my mom.

Rex Colwell

November 15, 2013

I did not know Betty, but I am a union organizer for the Washington Education Association, and work closely with the Evergreen Education Association. Betty was a whipper-snapper, I am told, and served as the Interim President of the EEA during the 1973 strike. Betty had moxy, and was a great union advocate!

Lisa Lewison

November 5, 2013

BETTY COLWELL: Warm heart, sharp mind, unbridled curiousity, hearty laugh, outstanding teacher and collegue, full of life. Will. Be. Missed. Doug Hamilton

Doug Hamilton

November 3, 2013

Betty was a wonderful lady who was an inspiration to us all and a guiding light for one of my sons.

Jayne Carpenter

November 3, 2013

I was so sorry to learn of Betty's passing. I worked with her for many years and loved her sense of humor and her care and concern for her students. I am sure there are hundreds of children's lives that Betty touched in a positive way. She was a special person who will be missed and remembered by so many.

Priscilla Wright

November 2, 2013

Betty was always a teacher "on fire"! She was never afraid to tackle new trends in education, nor to speak her mind at union meetings; plus, she had a smile on her face everyday at BBC! Her students and fellow staff members were lucky indeed to have had her in their lives. Now I'll be wondering which star in the night sky is you, Betty.
Patty Larson

November 2, 2013

As my 3d grade teacher, Mrs. Colwell helped shape me into the loving, caring, honest man that I am today. Over 30 some years she has been in my thoughts often and I'm absolutely positive she will remain not only in my thoughts but my heart as well. I thank you, Betty. You were one of my favorites and I appreciate everything you did for me and thousands behind and before.

Brett Merle

November 1, 2013

What a sad day. We have missed Betty since she left Vancouver, we have never forgot her. May she rest peacefully. She will always be Grandma Betty.

Charlie,Tanya,Justin Spence

November 1, 2013

Betty was a wonderful person and a top notch professional. Hundreds of children benefitted from her teaching. She was a model for the rest of us. We are so sorry to hear of her passing.

Robert Garlett

November 1, 2013

Betty was a loving person, a top notch professional and a delight to be around. Hundreds of children benefitted from her teaching and care. She was always an example for the rest of us to follow. She is missed.

Robert and Pam Garlett

November 1, 2013

Rex, Stacy and family - we are saddened to hear of Betty's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Scott, Katrina & Katherine Munro

November 1, 2013

I am so sorry to learn of Betty's death. A lovely lady and a wonderful teaching colleague. An inspiration to teachers and students alike. Godspeed Betty.

Bill Ghormley

November 1, 2013

I am sending my sympathies & love to Betty's family. Although I have not seen Betty in many years, she will always be in my heart. She was so warm & loving to all of her children's friends & interested in our lives. We had a lot of laughs at the Colwell house. Bless you all and I am sorry for your loss. Suzy

Susan Dougherty-Guild

October 31, 2013

Betty was a very special person and very dear to us. We send our heart felt condolances. We will miss her.
With love, Beverly and Gary

October 30, 2013

Please accept our condolences for your loss. May warm memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
The Rideout Health Foundation

October 29, 2013

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
~
The Appeal Democrat Family

October 29, 2013

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