
Elizabeth “Betty” Lou Jacquier Lewis was born 1/29/1938 in Arcadia, Indiana to Edra A. Startzman Jacquier and John J. Jacquier. She was known for her direct honesty, her love of family and animals, and her charitable nature. Her presence was like a burst of fireworks on a dark night, and her sharp wit kept everyone on their toes. With her infectious smile and laughter, she turned ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. Betty passed away peacefully on 10/22/2025 at the age of 87 where she joined her daughter Arden and her husband Bud, reunited again as a family in the arms of the Lord. Her loss definitely leaves a void in our family.
Betty was the youngest of six girls in her immediate family: Carolyn Gay Jacquier Etchison, Marilyn Lee Jacquier Adams, Patricia Ann Jacquier, Janet Garmaine Jacquier Waugh, and Beverly Kay Jacquier. The stories she shared about her childhood growing up as the youngest sister would have us all in stitches. Our favorite was the story of how one of her sisters got caught riding her bike when she was supposed to be at home, and how her mom handled the situation.
Betty met the love of her life, Bud Lewis, and married him within 30 days. She would always say when you know, you know. And 9 years later (vs 9 months), they welcomed their only daughter, Arden Elaine Lewis, completing their little family. Betty took special joy in being a devoted mother to Arden, her pride and joy. Arden’s birth changed Betty’s life for the better, and Arden felt her mother’s love and support throughout her life. Betty also served as Bud’s primary caretaker due to health problems.
Betty gained a son-in-law when Ed Larouere married her daughter in April 1991 and always treated him like a ‘son’. They spent time as a family with frequent dinners and a few adventures. Ed even convinced Betty to take a hot air balloon ride, despite her fear of heights. And the look on her face when they crash landed in an area not permitted was priceless, but was a story frequently shared for years thereafter amongst family and friends. They also shared adventures in San Diego where she fell in love with Old Town and the beach, and in San Franscisco where she toured Alcatraz and took in the sites and the food.
When Betty’s daughter Arden passed away, Ed still maintained his relationship with his ‘Arizona mom’ as she commonly referred to herself. And their adventures continued with a few trips to Las Vegas with family to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents Edra A. Startzman Jacquier and John J. Jacquier, and her sisters: Carolyn Gay Jacquier Etchison, Marilyn Lee Jacquier Adams, Patricia Ann Jacquier, Janet Garmaine Jacquier Waugh, her nephew Gary Adams, and her niece Kim Schamber. She is survived by her remaining sister Beverly Jacquier (Mary Patterson), Ed
Larouere (Angie), Jeff Waugh (Cheryl), Kyle Smith (Dave), Dave Adams (Marilyn), Patti Ann Etchison, Mary Beth Delph (Terry), John Michael Etchison, Susie Etchison Bailey (Denny), Ernie Schamber, Teresa Hunt, as well as many other family members.
When you remember Betty, we hope it brings a smile to your face as you reminisce on the many family memories she helped create, her life-long love affair of chocolate, her wit and her humor, and that beautiful mischievous smile she had. Death is only a temporary absence, and Betty would want you to know that her work here is done and she won’t be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with her family and friends she has not seen in a long time. Until we meet again Betty, we will miss you every single day.
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