Elizabeth Ann Nathan

Elizabeth Ann Nathan of Phoenix, AZ entered the kingdom of heaven to be with the Lord Jesus Christ at the age of 86. Elizabeth “Betty Ann” was born in Duluth, Minnesota to William and Elizabeth Koehler in October 1933. She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Elizabeth, her husband, William Nathan, her brothers, Bill and George, her niece, Merrilee Knoll, and her grandson, Billy Smith. She is survived by her 5 children, son Jim Nathan of Arizona, daughter Frances Nathan of Minnesota, daughter Allyson Thorn (Valin) of Colorado, daughter Jackie Kramp (Al) of Arizona, son John Nathan (Michelle) of Arizona, and 7 grandchildren, Sarah Wencl (Elijah) of Minnesota, Anton Thorn (Celia) of Texas, Michael Kamody of Arizona, Brian Kamody (Julia) of Arizona, John Nathan of Hawaii, Paul Nathan of Texas and Rachel Nathan of Arizona. She is also survived by 13 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and many beloved in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends. Betty was one of a kind. Although she was born with Cerebral Palsy, she did not let that stop her from doing the things she wanted to do. From an early age, she often accompanied her parents to her uncle’s ranch in South Dakota. There she became more capable and independent and loved to roam and play with her cousins, creating an attitude of adventure within her. While Betty attended Denfeld High School, she also helped raise her niece Merrilee. She then met her husband, William “Bill”, an active duty U.S. Air Force airplane mechanic, at a Young People’s Group at church and they were married in January 1956. They then started their family with the loving assistance of Betty’s parents William (an Electrical Engineer) and Elizabeth (a former School Teacher). In the fall of 1969, Betty and Bill moved their family to Phoenix, AZ so their children could meet and know their father’s parents. Sadly, Betty’s husband died in 1976, and she continued raising their children. Betty learned how to drive in 1976 and earned her GED in 1978 and continued her education attending some College classes. Betty was proud of her work contributions, despite her disability, taking positions as a Teacher Aide, a senior care Helper, and an assistant at a Law firm. She also had a poem published by the National Library of Poetry in 1996. Betty was always active in her church and attended a prayer group where she made lifelong friends. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona, www.ucpofcentralaz.org or United Cerebral Palsy of Central Minnesota, www.ucpcentralmn.org. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.