February 14, 1941 - April 18, 2024
Irene Marie Betz died peacefully at her home in Loveland on April 18, 2024 at the age of 83. She was born a sweetheart on February 14, 1941 in Bassett, Nebraska to the late Albert Virgil Nolles and Frances Mary Martfeld Nolles.
Irene lived in the country north of Newport, Nebraska where she attended grade school until her family moved to Bassett, Nebraska so she could attend and graduate from Rock County High School. After graduation, Irene apprenticed to become a licensed cosmetologist at the American Beauty Salon in Gering, Nebraska but working with the chemicals prevented her from continuing in that profession.
She then worked as a bookkeeper and teller at the First State Bank in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and as a teller and proof operator at the Gering National Bank in Gering, Nebraska for three years each. She also worked at the Gering Post Office for two years as a substitute clerk-carrier.
Irene moved to Colorado to continue her education in Greeley where she graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a teaching degree. She taught 6th grade for 22 years, 21 of which were at North Valley Middle School in LaSalle. Teaching was her favorite thing to do.
Irene eventually relocated to Loveland where she met and married, Albert William Betz, who was her best friend. Their marriage was a true love story. They shared 20 years of joy, laughter and unconditional love. Two of Irene’s favorite sayings are, “Love grows the most when it is shared” and “The heart is the happiest when it beats for others.” Sadly, their story came to an end when Albert passed away earlier this year on January 12, 2024.
Irene was also preceded in death by her first husband of 34 years, Don Tjardes, her sister, Doreen Frances Nolles Utter, and her brother, Raymond Joseph Nolles.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3rd, at Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home, 1102 N. Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, CO 80537.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wild Animal Sanctuary or KidsPak in care of Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home.
