Betty Louise Spelce
May 24, 1923 - February 1, 2023
Born May 24, 1923 in Sioux City, Iowa to parents Oscar Daniel Knudson and Orpha Mae Churchill Knudson. Deceased February 1, 2023 at her home in Yuma with family members present.
Betty had quite an adventurous life. The family moved when she was seven years of age from Chicago, IL, seeking a healthier climate for her father. The family homesteaded land outside of Gila Bend, AZ. They proved to be true survivors, living off the desert, building a cabin and outbuilding with borrowed railroad ties, dug a well, trapped wild horses for transportation and raised a total of 160 pigs starting with the two original pigs they brought from Chicago. The cabin was built on top of a knoll due to the possible threat of desert flash floods. However, it was a flash flood that revealed the cabin was built over a rattlesnake den! Being the survivors that they were, they cleared the land surrounding the cabin and outbuilding and then started killing rattlesnakes when the snakes came close or into the clearing. They skinned the snakes, ate the meat, tanned the hides for belts and hat bands and bleached the bones that Betty helped her mother dye and make jewelry to sell, along with the hat bands and belts. Nothing was ever wasted.
Betty married her husband, Ray, March 14, 1942 and they moved to Yuma shortly thereafter. A resident of Yuma since 1942, Betty was involved in her family's activities when possible. She served as Blue Bird and Cub Scout leader, active in PTA, Little League, Country Boy League, Connie Mack, or anything her kids were doing in and out of school. For years, she worked as a grocery store clerk at Central and El Rancho Markets. It seems she knew everyone in town and their families. Upon retirement, she and husband Ray bought an RV and traveled until they found their perfect spot at Diamond RV Park in Woodland Park, CO. This little spot of heaven became their summer home for 42 years.
Whether you knew her as Mom, Grandma, Aunt, Sister or friend, you will remember her as loving, honest, and always ready to help others in any way she could. She was full of life. At the age of 99, she continued to have a spirit of adventure, laughing often and leaving no doubt of her love for those close to her. She taught by example, never backing down from what she believed in and putting others first without condition or judgment. Her legacy of love and caring for others will live on in those blessed to both love and be loved by her.
She leaves behind Daughter, Shirley Spelce Looney, Son & Daughter-in-law, Duke & Darlene Spelce, Daughter-in-law, Charlene Morgan, Grandchildren Bobby Childs, Rick Childs, Robin Fowler, Alisa Dipalma & husband Matt, Granddaughter-in-law Janessa Kuhl & husband Rusty, Great Grandchildren Cory Conenna, Kevin Childs, Kirby Childs, Cory Spelce, Jake Spelce, Amanda Fowler, Kasey Childs & fiance Frank Hirahara,al Fowler & wife Hannah, Garrett Dipalma, Lucas Kuhl & wife Kourtney, Mckenna Dipalma, Rachel Tisdell & husband Kaden, Nate Dipalma, Carissa Hirahara, Cameron Hirahara, Great-great Granddaughters Felicity Fowler & Drew Kuhl, Niece Jackie Bloom and a host of wonderful friends, including her constant devoted feline companion Kitty.
She is preceded in death by her husband Ray, parents Oscar & Orpha Knudson, Brother & sister-in-law Dan & Peggy Knudson, Son Jack Spelce, Son-in-law Jack Looney and Grandson Curt Spelce.
There will be a Celebration of Life for family, friends and neighbors on the afternoon of March 12, 2023 at her home located at 3041 W. Columbia Ave., Yuma.
All are welcome. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations in Betty's name may be made to the charity of your choice.
Please sign the guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/yumasun