Betty's obituary
With heartfelt sorrow, we announce Betty Keese, aged 76 passed away peacefully on November 29, 2023. Betty was born to Emmett Delgado Sr. and Irene Delgado on February 6, 1947. She embraced the sunrises of life in the company of her beloved husband, James Keese. She is succeeded by her loving family, her daughter Deanna Schmidt, and son-in-law Walter Schmidt, as well as her precious grandchildren, Chloe Steveson and Christian Schmidt.
Betty's journey through life was enriched by the bond she shared with her siblings - her Brother Emmett Delgado Jr., and her sisters Nancy Lee, Sylvia Torres, Deborah Delgado, and Cynthia Bennett. Her siblings-in-law Sharon Delgado, Gerald Lee, Alex Torres, Jennifer Joseph, and Jay Bennett Jr., also held a special place in her heart. Betty was met in passing by her father Emmett Delgado Sr., ex husband Edward Bronish, and brothers-in-law Gerald Lee and Alex Torres and her beautiful niece Patricia Croy.
Betty experienced many different types of work throughout her life. At a young age she had the responsibility of taking care of her siblings while her parents worked. She worked at The Brown Palace as a maid, Star Guide making corduroy needles, Red Lobster waitressing, bartending and few others in between.
She met her current husband James in 1982 in Colorado. In 1990, James and Betty moved to James home town of Van Meter, IA. She put herself through college and began a career in Health Care. A devout attendee of Church, she found solace and faith in her spiritual journey. Her enjoyment in life was found in the simple pleasures - the music of Elvis Presley and Kenny Rogers, the culinary inspiration from Food Network, and the friendly competitiveness of Scrabble and Yahtzee. In her early years she could bowl a pretty good game.
Her favorite recreational activity was spending quality time with her family. Whether it was taking walks or planning vacations together - from the scenic landscapes of Colorado, Florida, Minnesota and Texas. Her most memorable was a ladies trip to the sunny beaches of Cancun where she got to walk on the sunny beaches, watch sunsets, and swim with the dolphins. Her shared memories were filled with joy and laughter.
In 2009 Betty took early retirement and moved back to Colorado to help with her new grandson born on 11/25/2008 and her 10 year old granddaughter when her daughter went back to work after maternity leave. She spent 2 1/2 years making so many memories with here grandkids. She then returned to Iowa to be with her husband James. She made many trips back to spend Holidays or important life moments with her Colorado family. Betty's latest travels brought her back to Colorado often and she reveled in her grandson's musical performances, a proud grandmother applauding every note.
Betty's life was as vibrant as the Mexican cuisine and beautiful as the coconut cream pies she enjoyed, and as refreshing as her favorite cold caffeine-free soda. It is this zest for life that remains in our memories, as we recall the wonderful times we spent with her.
In the wake of her departure, we celebrate a life well-lived, cherishing the vibrant memories of a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, niece, cousin and friend who embraced life with open arms. Betty Keese, forever in our hearts.