Elizabeth Arline Stegner

Elizabeth Arline Stegner passed away on February 15, 2011 on the farm she had lived on for over 60 years. After a life of nearly 90 years she was surrounded by 3 generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Hers was a life of unwavering love and devotion to her family. Betty was born May 20, 1921 on the Bowman Farm near Logan, Kansas, the 3rd child of John and Arline Bowman. The Bowman Family moved to the Fort Collins area in the 1930s. All of her siblings, Jack, Max, Alpha and Thomas Bowman preceded her in death. Her beloved husband, Robert passed away in January of 2009. She went to La Porte High School where she particularly loved playing on the girls' basketball team. This passion continued and she played the game with her grandchildren well into her 70s. She first met her husband to be, Robert Bob Stegner in 1937 at a Young Christian's Fellowship sponsored by the La Porte Presbyterian Church in La Porte, Colorado. On August 4, 1940, they were married on the Bowman Ranch now Lory State Park. She cherished her "sweetheart" and their 68 years together were a beautiful example of unconditional love. Their steadfast love expanded to include an extended family of 27 members. Their children are Gary Stegner and Pat, John Stegner and Bonnie, and Robert Stegner. One grandson, Randy Stegner preceded her in death. The surviving grandchildren and spouses include Jim Eunice Stegner, Dan Aimee Stegner, Timothy Carrie Stegner, John Kris Stegner, Shana Brian Bode, Susan Ethan Brady, and Kendra Nathan Bliss. Great-grandchildren include Michael Stegner, Jack and Joshua Stegner, Indigo and Havanna Stegner, John and Helen Stegner, and Evan, Maya, and Ryan Bode. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved and laughed with their Grandma, all getting to know her well. This was a wonderful gift granted by her long and positive life. Betty and Bob were ranchers/farmers their entire lives, except for a brief period when Bob worked in Cheyenne, Wyoming converting United Airline planes into B-17 bombers during World War II while Betty continued to work on her parent's ranch. Betty loved life and truly enjoyed living and working with her husband, Bob. They, along with a number of their siblings and friends, spent many winters in Arizona. Everyone always enjoyed spending spring break with them, and they were wonderful hosts for their family. They had one other special place in the mountains above Fort Collins that they loved to go in the summer. Again, it was a gathering place for them and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Betty will always be remembered by her family as being a strong, caring, loving, Christian woman. Her light will shine on through her family for generations to come. The family wishes to especially thank Carrie Garabrandt for the loving care she gave to not only Betty, but also Bob and Alpha in their final years. In addition, the staff at Hospice provided a gracious presence and wonderful support for the family, who cannot thank them enough for their help. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 531 South College Ave. Memorial Contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church or Pathways Hospice in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524.