Elizabeth Straeb
Elizabeth Grace (Johnson) Straeb went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 28, 2015 in Colorado Springs. She was born at home on 1824 North Tejon Street on January 22, 1925. From birth, she was a lively, creative and talented soul and lived a long life full of culture and accomplishment. A life-long resident of Colorado Springs, Bette was a proud graduate of Colorado Springs High School and stayed active with those friends from youth for most of her life.
Just out of high school she met and married a dashing young officer stationed at Camp Carson. Her love story with her beloved Chuck (Charles Straeb) lasted for more than 63 years. Her family gains comfort from knowing these two are now happily reunited in heaven.
Bette was an amazing vocalist, and was a featured soloist in many groups, including the Grace Episcopal Church. She was even offered a scholarship to Julliard after graduation, but elected to marry that handsome redhead of hers instead. While he served overseas, she performed all over the United States with the USO.
Bette was a visionary entrepreneur, and founded Miss Bette’s Nursery in her basement in the mid-1950s. Within a few years she had become a pioneer in the early childhood field and had created Junior Academy Children’s Centers, which has remained a family operated business for three generations. An advocate for quality, family-oriented care for children, she was actively involved in developing early arts and music education, as well as helping establish Colorado’s first standards for childcare health and safety.
Bette was passionate about the arts, and over many decades was an active volunteer in groups including the Opera Guild, The Colorado Springs Symphony and was especially devoted to the Fine Arts Center, where she was a docent, and then docent Emeritus. Bette was also a proud and active member of many groups including Daughters of the American Revolution and the PORSHA club.
Bette was a truly original woman, a trailblazer who will be missed greatly by both her family and friends. She is survived by her three children: Carol (Gary), Charles (Shirley), and Robert (Peggy); her four grandchildren: Melody, Jennifer, Jay (Michelle), and Juliet “Laura”; and her 5 beloved “greatgrands:” Alexandria, Madeline, Chase, Amelia and Abigail.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2226 North Corona Street. A reception will follow at the Fine Arts Center, 30 West Dale Street. Inurnment will be conducted privately. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Bette’s name may be made to either Pikes Peak Hospice or the Fine Arts Center.