Elizabeth Betsy Ann Coombs DeLavega

Elizabeth “Betsy” DeLavega, age 64, lost her courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 24th at 2:00 p.m., with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Moore Funeral Home – Bowen Road Chapel, Arlington, TX. Betsy will be buried in Maine beside her parents. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.

Betsy was born October 1, 1947 in Falmouth Foreside, Maine and grew up in Hamden, Maine. She was the only child of Elmer & Mary Coombs (unless you count their Labrador Daisy…..which they did.) She was born at a neighbor’s house because her mother was told “first babies don’t come quick” & they waited too long before calling the ambulance. Her mom was a school teacher/tutor and very active in civic functions. Betsy’s dad always sent her Maine apples to share with friends and co-workers. Her dad ran a tire store and once helped out a farmer by taking a pig in trade for 2 tires. The Coombs family ate “high on the hog” for months.

Betsy was Valedictorian of her high school class, graduating in 1965. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maine, a Master’s Degree from the University of Indiana, and a Paralegal Degree from SMU. Betsy was fluent in Spanish which she put to good use while living in Mexico and traveling in Europe during college as part of a “study abroad” program. She spent most of her time in Spain and France.

Betsy was an avid reader (mysteries), enjoyed music with a special fondness for the Kingston Trio, was a Cowboys fan, and loved attending high school football/basketball games. In recent years she took trips to Florida, Kentucky, and Las Vegas with Susan, Patty, & Kelly.

The great loves of her life (besides Ken and his family) were her current cats, Molly & Grace, as well as numerous other cats that she raised and lost over her lifetime. Word quickly spread in the neighborhood what a softie Betsy was for all animals which is how she ended up feeding every bird within a 5 mile radius of her house as well as the occasional possum! A baby possum kept coming in the house and really wanted to stay but the cats firmly vetoed that idea.

Betsy’s personal favorite time in her life was being co-owner of Ken’s Backyard Barbeque. It was hard work but she said she had so much fun and always had wonderful food to eat.

Betsy was a long time employee of both Butler Paper and Rooms To Go.

Betsy is preceded in death by her parents. She will be greatly missed by her friends, Ken Carlisle and his family, Marcy & David from New York, Nancy from Maine, and Susan, Kristi, Glenn, Peggy, and the other employees at Rooms To Go.