Betty Elaine Bird was born at home to Russel and Marie Bird in a small farmhouse in Malvern, Iowa on November 18, 1940 where she grew up in a home with 5 high-spirited siblings, Ken, Lorraine, Clinton, Fran and Dixie Bird. She graduated from Malvern High School in 1958. She met Gerald “Jerry” Kosarek in Omaha, NE in 1961 while attending a vocational school for administrative assistant and he was enlisted in the air force and stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. They married in 1962, had 2 children, and moved to Niles, MI not long after, where they stayed for 11 years until they moved to Grand Junction, CO in 1979.
The Kosareks began their adventure in Colorado by moving into a camping trailer in the Redlands while Jerry built the family house where she remained until she was moved to hospice for her passing. Betty worked as a prep cook at various restaurants and at the schools when her kids were young but really enjoyed her work in sales at JC Penney and Herbergers until she retired. She also dabbled in selling Shaklee and Avon products.
Betty’s favorite things were traveling, cooking, socializing, and spending time and adventures with her family. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Gerald Kosarek, son, Vincent Kosarek of Grand Junction, daughter and son-in-law, Terri and Brent Clark of Montrose CO, grandchildren Garrett, Kayla, Miranda, and Abbie and great grandchildren, Royce and Zarah. Her sweet soul, positive attitude and sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be hosted by Martin’s Mortuary at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Grand Junction, CO at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 to be followed by the burial at Orchard Mesa Cemetery in Grand Junction, CO.
