Elizabeth “Betty” Fransen, 96

Longtime valley resident Elizabeth “Betty” Fransen, 96, passed away on September 22, 2017.  She was born on May 21, 1921 in East Holman Township, Iowa to Roy and Rena Lindhorst Talsma.  She married John Frederick Fransen on February 22, 1940 in Chandler, Minnesota.  She enjoyed, embroidery, playing pool with the love of her life, John, spending time with her friends and family, gardening, baking, raising chickens, tending to her flowers.  She was an active member of the Alamosa Christian Reform Church and especially enjoyed having her family gathered for morning coffee before church on Sunday.  Betty had a heart for the Lord and loved to give of her time and talents.  Before moving to the San Luis Valley, she gave of her gifts to help start a Christian school in Minnesota and helped the school be successful.  She was also a member of the Waverly Ladies Aide and together with her husband John they were very active in the Alamosa Senior Citizen Center.

Betty is survived by her children, Gilbert (Barbara) Fransen of Alamosa, Trudy Moden of Fort Worth, Texas, Duane (Cheryl) Fransen of Alamosa, Eunice (Albert Jr.) Claunch of La Jara, son-in-law Gary Rutgers of Alamosa, a brother, Dick Talsma and two sisters-in-law, Gertrude VanderKooi and Tracy Fransen as well as 17 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John, 2 sisters and 2 brothers, her daughter, Rena Rutgers, son, Rodney Fransen, grandsons, Richard Fransen and Gilbert Fransen, Jr. and great grandsons, Chad Fransen and Darren Prins.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday September 27, 2017 at the Alamosa Christian Reform Church in Waverly.  A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa on Tuesday evening.  Burial will follow services in the Alamosa Cemetery.  Contributions are suggested to the Alamosa Senior Citizens Center and may be made in care of the funeral home office. 

Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa is in care of the arrangements.