Betty Fern Evans-Courtney

Betty Fern is survived by two daughters, Connie (Dave) Lemberger of California, and Linda (Phil) Velasquez of Minnesota; grandsons, Derek, Jeremy and David (Elizabeth) Lemberger; granddaughter, Jennifer Velasquez, and great-grandsons, Jakob and Colby Lemberger.

Betty Fern was born the oldest of nine children to Jake and Daisy Gibson on March 7, 1928, in Adams, Oklahoma. The family moved to Cameo, Colorado when Betty was young and she often talked about that trip on the steam engine train.

Betty's surviving siblings are Dwain L Gibson, Dolly (Bill) McCune, Jim (Pat) Gibson, and Glenda (Gene) Profeta. Betty is survived as well by many nieces and nephews.

The family were all gifted musicians and singers. Betty was a gifted pianist and was able to play for her church for many years.

Betty Fern married F. Wayne Evans in Grand Junction on January 2, 1946, shortly after he was discharged from the military. The family moved to California in 1957. The family did a lot of camping and traveling which included going back to Colorado every other year to visit with family. Betty worked for approximately 30 years at Hewlett Packard.

Wayne lost his battle with cancer and passed away in December 1981; it was difficult for Betty so she lived with her eldest daughter and family for a couple of years. Then on a visit to Colorado she met Lee Courtney and was married in 1991. Betty and Lee moved close to Betty's dad to take care of him. Lee also passed away after a battle with cancer. Betty continued to care for her dad, Jake, until his death in October, 1999.

Betty Fern loved everything to do with family and family activities. She was a generous, loving, and kind person who will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Funeral services will be at Martin Mortuary. Viewing will be on Sunday, November 10, from 2 - 4:00. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, November 11, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held at Memorial Gardens immediately following the funeral service.