Betty Jane McColley

Jan. 4 1938-June 16, 2008

Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, Jun 18, 2008 - 05:33:38 am MST

Print this story Email this story

Font Size

Betty Jane McColley, 70, passed away Monday morning, June 16, 2008, at her home in Sierra Vista, Ariz., after a brief illness. Betty and her husband, Richard, retired to Sierra Vista in 1999 after living in Phoenix, Ariz., for more than 30 years. Betty was born in Gladwin, Mich., to Ed and Mary Jane Balzer.

Betty was a very active member of the Sierra Vista community, serving as vice-chair of the board of directors of Care Net Pregnancy Center of Cochise County and former chair of the Arizona Council for CASA Inc., Cochise County Chapter. She also served as secretary of CASA’s State Arizona Council. In addition, she served on the Fund Development Committee for the Forgach House Domestic Crisis Shelter, where she was also an active volunteer. Betty was also formerly the chair of the city of Sierra Vista Environmental Affairs Commission.

Prior to retirement, Betty was most recently administrator of consumer and community affairs for Southwest Gas Corp. in Phoenix. During her five years with Southwest Gas, she directed low-income energy programs, corporate contributions, employee volunteerism and community outreach. She previously served as manager of energy conservation and education programs for the Arizona Department of Commerce Energy Office, where she planned and project-managed state and federal conservation programs, including coordination of the Seniors Helping Seniors Energy Conservation Program, which utilized volunteer senior adults to install energy and water conservation measures in senior homes.

Betty was deeply devoted to her husband of 51 years, Richard, and their three children, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She especially enjoyed serving as “co-pilot” for her husband Richard on their recreational and volunteer flights, including assisting in coordination of the annual Christmas Airlift to the Navajo Nation for the past 23 years, and enjoyed their involvement with various aviation clubs. She was an involved member of her local church and Sunday school class, and took great pleasure in the various social activities of the organizations with which she and Richard were involved. She also loved gardening, playing the piano, enjoying music, and particularly spending time with her grandchildren.

Betty was the beloved wife of Richard; the cherished mother of Greg (and Teri) McColley of Glendale, Ariz., Richelle Delavan of Madison, N.J., and Bruce (and Nati) McColley of Miami, Fla.; the proud grandmother of Carolyn (and James) Griffiths, Rich McColley, Lucas Delavan and Brandon McColley; and delighted great-grandmother of Jimmy Griffiths. Betty also is survived by her loving mother, Mary Jane Butcher of Gladwin, Mich.; her six brothers and sisters; and countless nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2008, at Hatfield Funeral Home with funeral services being held the following day at the Sierra Vista First Baptist Church, 1447 S. Seventh St., at 1 p.m. As per her wishes, Betty will be cremated and her cremains taken back to Gladwin, Mich., for a memorial service and interment in the family plot.

If friends wish they may make memorial contributions in her honor to the Forgach House Crisis Shelter, P.O. Box 1961, Sierra Vista AZ 85636, where she regularly volunteered as a counselor.

Hatfield Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Print this story Email this story

Font Size

Use the form below to post a brief comment to this story, or respond to other readers. Please use the word count tool to assist you in keeping your remarks to 100 words or fewer.
Comments appear once they are approved. Your thoughtful contribution to the online discussion is appreciated.

Richard McColley wrote on Aug 7, 2008 1:53 PM:

" I want to thank everyone for the kind heartfelt comments, prayers, and support during this time. Betty was a remarkable woman, and I was truly blessed to be part of her life. She touched so many lives in a helpful way, more than we'll ever know. I miss her so much. "

Cathy McColley wrote on Jul 6, 2008 8:00 AM:

" I had the privelage and honor to be Betty's daughter-n-law for 11 years. She was the best mother-n-law anyone could have. She was like a mother to me. Betty always had a smile and encouragement to offer if you needed it. She was such a beautiful person inside and out. I know that she touched so many lives and will be missed by all of us. My heart and prayers go out to Richard and the rest of the family. "

Russell E. Clark wrote on Jun 23, 2008 3:10 PM:

" I had the good fortune & opportunity to be at the AZ Energy Office when Betty was there providing program and administrative leadership. Betty often talked of her husband Richard, her children, and family members. Betty was a blessing to all of us. Our world is a better place because Betty was here with us. "

Tasha wrote on Jun 22, 2008 9:59 PM:

" Betty was a beautiful soul and I will miss her kindness greatly. No matter how bad a day anyone woould have Betty is the one who could put a smile on your face. She will be missed greatly but went to a far better place. "

Mike and Gai Anthony wrote on Jun 21, 2008 8:51 PM:

" More than all her talents, her generosity and good deeds, it was grace which exemplified Betty.
We feel blessed for having known her. "

Amanda wrote on Jun 19, 2008 9:18 PM:

" Betty was in my care for a while during her stay at the hospital- she was such a sweet lady. She did her best day to day and I enjoyed her as a patient. Richard, I am deeply sorry for your loss of such a lovely lady. "

Sandy Dewey Harnagel wrote on Jun 18, 2008 8:17 PM:

" Knowing Betty was a great privilege and being friends with her was a joy. She was a vibrant, intelligent woman. She was always fun to be with and respected others. "

Keith and Margaret Monet wrote on Jun 18, 2008 7:56 PM:

" Keith and I have known Dick and Betty for close to 15 years. We have flown on the Christmas Airlift to the Navajo Nation that they started some 21 years ago. The world will not be the same without Betty's beautiful smile---but on Monday morning when our hearts broke---the angels were singing when the Lord welcomed Betty into Heaven!
Please accept our deepest sympathy
She will truly be missed "

Carolyn Griffiths wrote on Jun 18, 2008 7:47 PM:

" This is such a beautiful obituary which portrays my Grandma Betty perfectly. It is difficult to describe in words just how amazing Grandma Betty was. She was a strong woman who took pride in herself and her family, acting as a wonderful role model for every woman she interacted with. Grandma Betty touched many people's lives and will certainly not be forgotten.

My family is thankful for all the thoughts and prayers from each of you. "

Lynda Williams wrote on Jun 18, 2008 2:29 PM:

" This was one of the most beautiful obituaries I've ever read and so very fitting for such a beautiful lady. "

Margaret Leftie Vaughn wrote on Jun 18, 2008 10:34 AM:

" Betty McColley's death comes as a great shock to all of us who knew her. She was a vibrant, intelligent, gentle woman who who worked tirelessly for the foster children in the CASA Program in AZ. She always stepped up to help those in need. Our deepest condolences go out to her husband, Richard, to whom she was indeed devoted, as well as to her beloved children. I will miss her and remember her always. Leftie Vaughn "

Kara Harris wrote on Jun 18, 2008 8:53 AM:

" Betty will be deeply missed by those of us who worked with her at Care Net. May Richard and the rest of her family hear our prayers in the loss of a wife, mother and grandmother. Blessings to you all. "