Bette Sears

BETTE SEARS, long-time resident of Poudre Park, died on June 16, 2016. Born Elizabeth Lea Hutchins on March 8, 1940 to Clyde and Margol Hutchins in Denver she grew up in Fort Collins. She earned degrees from CSU, a Bachelor of Arts in art and a Master of Science in horticulture. She is survived by her husband Bill of 52 years, son Jeff of Fort Collins (Yolanda), daughter Karyl Yeston of Crested Butte (Marc), and three grandchildren, Anabelle Yeston, Bill Sears, and Michael Sears.

She had been a life guard, a member of the Arapaho Basin Ski Patrol, and a founding member of the now-vanished Hidden Valley Ski Patrol. With the support of her two small children and many signatures on a petition she approached the City Council asking them to create the first bike lanes in Fort Collins, which they did. She was an ardent flower gardener and waged unstinting combat against weeds and Johnson grass. She was a Master Gardener and worked for many years at garden centers in Fort Collins.

The family wishes to acknowledge the excellent care she received at Collinwood Memory Care. A memorial service will be held at Bohlender Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 21 at 11:00 AM. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Hospice, or the Lower Poudre Canyon Association in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel.