Betty Vernice McWilliams

Betty Vernice McWilliams, 83, of Greeley, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at North Colorado Medical Center. She was born on May 16, 1932 in Greeley to Henry G. and Anna Katherine (Kobobal) Martin.

Betty grew up in Greeley, graduating from Central High School in 1950. She attended Stephens College earning her Associate of Arts degree in 1952, then went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in 1958 from Colorado State College and her Bachelor of Science from University of Northern Colorado in 1989.

On June 3, 1956, she married Donald McWilliams at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, where they were members.

In her younger years, Betty showed horses and passed her love of them to her two daughters, Vickie and Terry, who carried on that legacy, earning several awards.

Betty worked as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor at North Range Behavioral Health from 1989-2012. Her and her family also ran a motel in La Salle for many years, as well as a restaurant and lounge in Greeley.

She and Donald loved spending time together, golfing, bowling and traveling. Betty, Donald and their girls created the Merry Macs, a band in which they all played together at various venues.

Betty is survived by her husband, Donald McWilliams; daughters, Vickie Heyse (Bernd) and Terry Markley; sister, Dorothy Martin Zabka (Dewey); four grandchildren, Jessica Markley, Jerome Markley, Teresa Markley and Sharon Markley and three great-grandchildren, Jaren, Taevin and Zidyn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a grandson, Mike McWilliams and a sister, Lilian Bird.

A visitation will be from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2015 followed by funeral service at 3:00 p.m. both at Stoddard Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 West 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634.

Please visit www.stoddardsunset.com to sign an online guestbook.