November 9, 1939 – October 9, 2026
Bettye Frances Yarbrough Sztamenits, 86, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2026, in Colorado Springs, celebrating her heavenly homecoming and final victory over Alzheimer’s disease.
She is survived by her daughter, Jonna Sztamenits of Woodland Park, Colorado; her son, Endre Sztamenits and daughter-in-law, Holly Sztamenits of North Richland Hills, Texas; and her daughter, Cherise Selley and son-in-law, Dr. Gordon Selley of Colorado Springs.
She was a proud and loving grandmother to Stephanie Green, Jake Selley, Kristofer Warbritton, and Cruise Sztamenits, and a cherished great-grandmother to Liam Sullivan; JJ, Harmony-Jae, and Treasure Selley; and Olivia Warbritton. She is also survived by her cousin, Terri Burroughs.
Bettye was born on November 9, 1939, in Denison, Texas, to Johnnie and Whitley Yarbrough. Raised alongside her brother, Wayne Yarbrough, she spent much of her early life in Commerce, Texas. During her high school years, she shared her love of music as a member of a singing group called “The Spices.” In 1957, she was crowned “Miss Commerce,” an early reflection of her beauty, made all the more radiant by her joyful spirit and personality.
She graduated from Commerce High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree and teaching certificate from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University-Commerce) in 1963. In her younger years, Bettye embraced her adventurous spirit as a flight attendant for Braniff Airways before beginning her career as an elementary school teacher.
Her faith journey began at the United Methodist Church in Commerce, Texas, and remained a guiding presence throughout her life. Wherever life took her, Bettye found fellowship in church communities and continued seeking a deeper relationship with God. Her final church home was Ranch Bible Fellowship in Colorado Springs.
Her life was marked by her deep love for Jesus Christ and her unwavering devotion to her family. An adventurous spirit at heart, Bettye loved traveling, experiencing different cultures, and exploring the beauty of God’s creation. Mountains and waterfalls filled her soul, while animals and music brought her delight. Blessed with a tender and generous heart, she was known for her kindness, contagious laughter, and beautiful smile. She once wrote, “If I had my way, no one would be lonesome.”
Bettye’s faith was central to her life. She spent many years seeking a deeper relationship with God, ultimately discovering a profound spiritual peace and freedom that became one of the most meaningful parts of her journey.
As Bettye is welcomed into the presence of God, she will be deeply missed by her family and friends, yet lovingly remembered for the joy, kindness, and faith she shared so freely.
“I’m finally free. God has set me free… I finally feel the peace that passes all understanding.” — Bettye Sztamenits
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bettye’s honor to Ranch Bible Fellowship, 915 Pinon Ranch View, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 (checks only), or to Hope & Healing Institute, a faith-centered nonprofit founded by her daughter, Cherise Selley, and son-in-law, Dr. Gordon Selley, dedicated to bringing hope and healing to others. Hope & Healing Institute