Bette Fraser Obituary

Fraser
Bette Fraser
February 8, 2026

Bette Lee Osterlund Fraser, 88, passed away on February 8, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Born on May 2, 1937, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Bette was the beloved daughter of Oscar and Leona Osterlund. She grew up in Lincoln and later studied fine art, education, and history at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she was a proud member of PEO International and Gamma Phi Beta. On June 10, 1958, she married William A. Fraser, Jr. in Lincoln, Nebraska. Together they built a life centered on family, community, and shared traditions.
Bette dedicated her life to her family and to the many creative passions that brought her joy. A gifted and versatile artist, she explored mixed media, textiles, pottery, painting, beadwork, and doll making. Her hands were rarely still, and her home reflected her imagination, warmth, and love of beauty. She found special happiness in her backyard, watching the birds and squirrels, sitting in the sun, tending her flowers and caring for her Scottie dogs. She loved her family and friends.
Family was always at the center of Bette's life. She was deeply involved in her children's activities—serving as a devoted room mother, an active PTA member, and an enthusiastic supporter at countless games and events. She loved watching sports at every level, from professional competitions to her children's and grandchildren's games. An athlete herself, she played field hockey in her younger days and enjoyed many years of tennis. She also treasured playing cards, board games and especially cribbage, delighting in the time spent around the table with those she loved.
Bette shared her love of art as a junior high school art teacher and remained active in her community throughout her life. She served as a voting judge and worked at the Colorado Springs Racquet Club, the Garden of the Gods Country Club, the Lynmar Pro Shop, and the Chapel Hills Baptist Nursery School. In every role, she brought warmth, creativity, and a genuine interest in others.
She is survived by her brother, John Osterlund; her four children and their spouses: Hayes Fraser (Susan Brown), Lauren Vlcek (Mark), Anita Fraser-Day (Shawn), and James Fraser (Laura Johnson); seven grandchildren: Cam, Iain, James, Ross, Will, Emily, and Sara; and one great-grandchild, Preston Vlcek.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Leona Osterlund; her husband, William A. Fraser, Jr.; and her grandson, Matt Day.
Bette will be remembered for her artistic spirit, her competitive streak on the tennis court, her love of books and cooking, and the warmth she extended to everyone she met. Her legacy lives on in the creativity she inspired, the traditions she nurtured, and the family she loved so dearly. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.