Betty L Manion

Betty Lue Fletchall (Manion Bowe) was born on March 3, 1928 near Tarkio, Missouri on the Burr Oak Ranch. Betty died of Cardiac Arrest at Lutheran Hospital in Wheatridge, Colorado on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 12:22 a.m. She was 83 years old.

Her parents were Charles Lee Fletchall (1902-1971) and Mildred Thelma Seamands Fletchall (1904-1997). Betty was predeceased by her brother, Charles B. Fletchall (1924-1995). Betty and Charles were raised on a farm near Webster City, Iowa, where they were educated.

Her marriages included: Dwayne Kiesecker M: January 24, 1946, D: 1950; Thomas Othello Manion (1924-1979) M: Dec 26, 1950; Bob Bowe (1938-) M: Sep 24, 1985.

The family moved to Colorado in 1956, and settled in Lakewood in 1960. Betty won the Hamilton County Spelling Bee when she was 14, and placed 17th at the state competition. Her favorite job was working at Martin Marietta as a bookkeeper. Betty loved to bowl, dance, and for over 30 years her passion was singing barbershop harmony as a member of Sweet Adeline’s, including winning the Sweet Adeline International Chorus competition in Atlanta as a member of the High Country Chorus! She also sang in the Lamplighters and Goldiggers quartets, which in turn forged many wonderful and long lasting friendships for her. Betty was a season ticket holder and one of the biggest Bronco fans in Denver! We can still hear her shouting “DEFENSE!” One of her fulfilled dreams was the HEMMAN HALL mountain home at St. Mary’s Glacier Colorado. She enjoyed many parties with many friends there. She loved to travel, and took many extended trips throughout this great country. She especially enjoyed trips to Walt Disney World with grand kids and great grand kids; and don’t forget those great ocean cruises. The only thing Betty loved better than holding babies was to hold as many as her arms could carry. We will always remember her generosity and her protective nature, as well as teaching all of us the joy of singing.

Betty is survived by her Husband: Bob Bowe, Lakewood, Colorado; Son: Thomas Othello Manion III, Denver, Colorado; Daughter: Kristi Ann Manion and husband Mark Ritchie, Littleton, Colorado; Daughter: Shealene Patricia C Manion and husband Anthony Klenda, Arvada, Colorado; Grandson: Wynter Brandon Stieger and wife Cortni Rossi Stieger, Brighton, Colorado; Granddaughter: Briannah Klenda; Grandson: Shayne Klenda; and great-grandchildren Brayton, Brandyn, Bryson, and Isabella Stieger; Stepdaughter Cathy Bowe and husband Al Ortlip, Denver, Colo; Stepson Robert Bowe and wife Susie (Mayo) Bowe, New York City, New York; Stepson Tony Bowe and wife Gemma Aviado Bowe, Loveland, Colo, stepgrandsons Kevin and Sean Bowe.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 2, 2011at 12 noon in the Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary Chapel, 7777 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. Officiant: Rev. Gene Parrott

Reception to follow Memorial Service at the Olinger Crown Hill Reception Center

Internment at the Crown Hill Cemetery will be at a later date

Arrangements by Olinger Crown Hill

In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Email: [email protected]; website: http://www.lalmba.org.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes,

all filled with tears for me,

I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today,

While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,

And each time that you think of me,

I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,

That an angel came and called my name and

took me by the hand.

And said my place was ready in Heaven far above,

And that I'd have to leave behind, all those

things I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,

For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for, so much yet to do,

It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,

I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while,

I'd say goodbye and kiss you, and maybe

see you smile.

But then I fully realized, that could never be,

For emptiness and memories, would take

the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things, I might

miss come tomorrow,

I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was

filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through Heaven's gates,

I felt so much at home.

When God looked down and smiled at me,

from his great golden throne.

He said, "This is eternity, and all I've

promised you.

Today your life on Earth is past, and

here it starts anew".

"I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,

And since each day's the same day, there's

no longing for the past".

"But you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true,

Though there were times you did some things,

you know you shouldn't do".

"But you have been forgiven, and now at

last you're free,

So won't you take my hand now and share

My life with Me".

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't

think we're far apart,

For every time you think of me, I'm right here

in your heart.

--by Erica Shea Liupaeter

New Beginnings

by Gertrude B. McClain

It's only the beginning now

...a pathway yet unknown

At times the sound of other steps

...sometimes we walk alone

The best beginnings of our lives

May sometimes end in sorrow

But even on our darkest days

The sun will shine tomorrow.

So we must do our very best

Whatever life may bring

And look beyond the winter chill

To smell the breath of spring.

Into each life will always come

A time to start anew

A new beginning for each heart

As fresh as morning dew.

Although the cares of life are great

And hands are bowed so low

The storms of life will leave behind

The wonder of a rainbow.

The years will never take away

Our chance to start anew

It's only the beginning now

So dreams can still come true.

Arrangements under the direction of Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, Wheat Ridge, CO.