ELIZABETH AIDA KIEVIT MORLAN
1958-2018
Elizabeth “Betsie” was born August 2, 1958 in Concord, California and passed away on February 11, 2018 in Clear Lake Shores, Texas after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her mother, Aida Lopez Kievit and survived by her father, David Kievit; her brother, John Kievit; and her sisters Cynthia (Cindi) Kievit and Katherine (Kathi) Kievit Cole.
Upon graduation from Clear Lake High School in 1976, Betsie relocated to San Antonio where she joined the US Air Force and attended nursing school. During her career as a flight nurse, she was stationed at various bases in the US and overseas. She then returned to Texas where she pursued a degree in Accounting and worked as an auditor for Baylor College of Medicine. She also enjoyed spending her leisure time racing sailboats, where she met the love of her life and future husband, Christopher Morlan. In 2003, the couple was married in St Thomas, USVI, and they honeymooned aboard a Windjammer in the Caribbean.
Betsie and Chris shared a passion for travel, and together they journeyed to Austria, Hawaii, Alaska, Aruba, and Mexico. They also enjoyed many ski trips to Salt Lake City (UT), Taos (NM), Breckenridge (CO) and Banff (Alberta). They traveled to numerous places in their vintage Airstream, including the Grand Canyon, Big Bend and, Betsie’s favorite event, the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Albuquerque, NM.
Betsie also enjoyed music; she loved playing her clarinet, guitar and ukelele. She was an athlete, and ran several triathalons and half marathons; she also enjoyed kayaking around her beloved island of Clear Lake Shores where she and her husband built their home. Betsie had a huge heart; she loved people and made friends everywhere she went. She greeted every day with optimism and energy, living life to the fullest. She was strong and graceful throughout her entire life, including during her long battle with cancer. She never stopped learning and she viewed the world as a constant source of mystery and joy.
Her love of people was strongest with her large extended family, which now spans four generations. She loved spending time with all her siblings, nieces, nephews, and their spouses and children. Betsie’s family and friends will gather on March 31 to celebrate her amazing life and legacy of love. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations in Betsie’s name to the American Cancer Society.