Betty Lou (Helwig) Sterkel Brock passed away February 16, 2023 in Longmont, Colorado. She was born on April 21, 1931 at St. John, Kansas to Edward C. and Julia M. (Southards) Helwig. The family moved to Longmont in 1945. Betty attended Longmont High School and graduated in 1949.
She married Richard "Dick" Sterkel in 1952. Together they operated Sterkel Floor Covering for many years. They had three children. She was employed by L.K. Roller, M.D. for 19 years before retiring. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harlan and by her daughter, Peggy Ann.
In 1987 she married Harlan E. Brock of Erie, Colorado, who died on March 16, 2007. Betty and Harlan spent 15 summers volunteering for the US, Forest Service in a Visitors Center on the Snowy Range in the Medicine Bow National Forest near Saratoga, Wyoming. They each received a National Award for volunteering from the US Forest Service in Washington, D.C. for dedication and establishing the Visitor Center.
She was a member of LifeBridge Christian Church and the Women's Ministries in Bible studies. Betty enjoyed her family, loved the mountains and liked to travel. She also enjoyed meeting and greeting people, watching the wildlife around her and the beauty of all God's creations.
Betty is survived by two sons, Craig R. Sterkel (Marilyn Warnholtz) of Longmont, and Steven J. (Michelle) of Erie; two grandchildren, Jeffrey R. (Kelsey) Sterkel of Roggen, Colorado and Kimberly R. (Jeremy) Eastwood of Greeley, Colorado; and five great-grandchildren, Presley, Alivia, Harlo, Brayden and Caden; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. She was also preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Barbara J. Lane and Billy L. Helwig.
Services were held on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at Hygiene United Methodist Church, 7542 Hygiene Road, Hygiene, Colorado. Pastor Rick Stewart presided. Betty's family extends their gratitude to all those that were able to attend.
Donations in Betty's memory can be made to Children's Hospital in Denver or TRU Community Care - Hospice Care in Longmont. Fond memories of Betty and expressions of condolence for her family are welcome at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.
