Elizabeth Ann Dusbabek

Betsy was born on October 2, 1931, in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, the daughter of Lillian and Robert Mitchell. She was a natural musician, taking piano, voice and dance lessons while growing up in Winnipeg. After high school, Betsy continued her music studies by enrolling in the MacPhail College of Music in Minneapolis, MN. This was a wonderful experience for her - in addition to studying, she became part of a sextet that performed professionally in various supper clubs in the Minneapolis area. During one school holiday, Betsy’s roommate LaDon, invited her to Faribault for the weekend. Waiting at the bus stop was LaDon’s brother, Jerry, who was immediately taken with the cute and charming Betsy. The rest is history, and they had a beautiful and loving marriage for 63 years, rarely leaving each other’s side.

Jerry and Betsy started married life together on a farm near Faribault, MN. Though it was quite a change from living in big cities, Betsy never gave up her love of music and sang at every opportunity. She participated in local theater, performed at many weddings and community events, and was active in her church choir, often singing solos that were broadcast on the local radio station. She continued singing and playing the piano her entire life, spreading the joy of music wherever she went.

Soon Betsy and Jerry moved into town, where Jerry’s homesite development business began and continued throughout their lives. Through Jerry’s various business ventures—ranging from running a tree farm to expanding Hardee’s restaurants across the western US - Betsy stood by his side as his business partner, advisor, and constant companion.

Betsy’s greatest joy in life were her three kids, and then 6 wonderful grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was the heart of her family, never letting a holiday or special occasion pass without hosting a celebration. And she was always there for the Grandkids – whether they needed a warm hug or patient ear to listen But you didn’t have to be a family member to experience Betsy’s thoughtfulness and warm hospitality – the Dusbabek home was lively and welcoming to neighbors, friends and visitors alike.

Life was going along smoothly in Faribault until the entire family took up skiing. After several memorable ski trips to Colorado, the family packed up and headed west to better weather, mountains and powder, ending up in Ft. Collins. Betsy jumped right in, finding a great church – St. Luke’s Episcopal, which soon gave her new friends, great music and meaningful worship in her new home of Ft. Collins, Colorado – her home for the last 45 years.

Betsy is survived by two children, Leslie Bjorgum of Steamboat Springs and Peter Dusbabek (Laura) of Ft. Collins, six grandchildren, Bobby Dusbabek (Chris Crawford), Scott Bjorgum, Andrew Bjorgum, Laura Dusbabek (Kyle Strand), Brett Bjorgum and Christian Dusbabek (Angelica) and 2 great-grandchildren, Logan Bjorgum and Annabelle Strand. She was predeceased by her parents Robert and Lillian Mitchell, her husband Jerry Dusbabek, her son Robert Dusbabek and son-in-law, Greg Bjorgum.

Betsy was thoughtful and loving to family, friends and all who knew her. Her warm and kind spirit will be greatly missed.

Memorial Services will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Ft. Collins Thursday May 7th at 10:00 with burial and lunch immediately following at Resthaven Memory Gardens. Visitation the evening before at Allnutt Funeral 5:00-7:00.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Poudre High School Impala Fund. PO box 722. Ft. Collins, CO 80522