Elizabeth Bockstahler Obituary

Bockstahler

Elizabeth "Betty" Bockstahler

December 28, 1920

November 9, 2021



Our dearest friend Betty Beyer Bockstahler entered the gates of heaven on November 9, 2021 with friends and caregivers at her bedside. Betty was 7 weeks short of her 101st birthday.

Florence Elizabeth (Betty) Beyer was born on December 28, 1920 in Casper Wyoming to Oscar and Florence Beyer. She was the oldest of 3 girls. Her sisters Rita Jean and Phyllis are both deceased. Betty is survived by her brother Rick Beyer, a niece Gail Paulson, and a cousin Jeanne Leffingwell.

As a teenager, Betty thought her life would be complete if she made it to Yellowstone National Park! Little did she know what was to come. Betty graduated from Casper High School and moved to Denver where she graduated from a secretarial program. She worked at Fitzsimons Army Hospital for 5 years and then transferred to Bethesda Maryland to work at the National Research Hospital. These years ignited her love of travel as she traveled the US, Mexico and a trip to Europe with her girlfriends.

Betty married Louis Anthony (Tony) Bockstahler in 1958 and joined him in Eagle River Alaska. Tony had homesteaded in 1948 and started a woodworking & furniture business (Alaska Woodcraft) using native Alaskan woods. Betty and Tony expanded their business to include native Alaskan crafts and art.

This provided Betty with the ultimate Alaskan adventure. Betty's job was to join the bush pilots flying from Anchorage to rural villages. Betty would meet with the craftsmen to purchase their handmade goods. Betty always paid more than asked and built a good relationship with artists across Alaska. Many times they would send items back with the pilot for delivery to Betty knowing that they would get paid and any items not needed would be returned.

Tony and Betty enjoyed the next 22 years in Alaska. Their vacations included trips to Japan, Figi, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Greece and many trips within Europe.

In 1980, they sold their home and business and moved to Colorado Springs. In addition to return trips to Europe they also traveled to China, Spain, Italy, Southeast Asia, Israel, Jordan and Egypt. After Tony died in 1991, Betty still traveled with friends. She made 3 trips back to Alaska and at the age of 85 went on an African Safari.

Betty was a quiet person, always friendly, and always had a smile on her face. Betty never spoke an unkind work about anyone or anything. She loved to read, sang in her church choir for years, was a proud Republican Lady, enjoyed classical music and our local symphony performances. She also enjoyed years of lunches after church with her friends. When someone called, Betty still took notes on the conversations in shorthand. Betty was kind and very generous. Many Not-for- Profit organizations benefited from her donations.

A Memorial Service at Grace Lutheran Church (1128 E. Boulder St.) will be held at 2pm on December 4, 2021. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Pikes Peak Hospice or Grace Lutheran Church. A reception with a desert buffet will follow to honor our sweet friend and her sweet tooth. Please join us.