Elizabeth 'Betty' Leona Stephenson

ELIZABETH "BETTY" LEONA STEPHENSON

Brighton, Colo.

Elizabeth "Betty" Leona Stephenson, 91, passed away on Jan. 25, 2022, at her home in Brighton, Colo. Betty was born on June 8, 1930, at the family farm near Lafayette, Center Point, Iowa. 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 bachelors 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, then to Colorado at Lakewood Area and Gunnison. Betty then moved to Brighton, Colo., 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, Iowa; two brothers, Howard (Donna) Lea of Woodburne, Ore., and Harold (Donna Mae) of Center Point, Iowa; and 96 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, Iowa; nephew, Stephen Martin; and great-nephew, Chase Martin of Springville, Iowa.

The body was cremated per her wishes. Celebration of Life services will be at 10:30 a.m. May 28, at The Lynn Dunn Memorial Building at The Linn County Fair Grounds, Central City, Iowa. Reception will follow services. Her remains will be interned at La Fayette Cemetery.

Memorials may be made out to Linn County 4-H Youth Council Award Fund, 383 Collins Rd. NE, Suite 201, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.