Elizabeth "Betty" June Munson

Elizabeth “Betty” June Sparling Wood Munson

Born June 30, 1937

Passed Away May 23, 2021

Betty was born in Canon City on June 30th, 1927, the daughter of Earnest and Winona Herald Sparling.  Betty often spoke of her loving and wonderful parents. She was the older sister to her brothers, Donald, and Robert. Her childhood home was the Sparling family ranch in Boneyard Park in the Wet Mountains of Colorado. Living the vast majority of her life in front of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, Betty only knew life with a view.    

Betty attended grade school at the Dry Lake School and graduated from Canon City High School in 1945. She studied at Western State College in Gunnison and received a teacher’s certificate and began teaching in the Greenleaf one-room schoolhouse, just north of Westcliffe.  

During her 33.5 years as a teacher, she was twice married and had a daughter. Her first marriage, to Camden “Bud” Wood in 1953, was cut short with his untimely death just a few months later. Her second marriage was to Hugh M Munson in 1968 and lasted 38 years until Hugh’s passing in 2006. Their daughter Michele was born in 1971 and was the precious light of their life. 

Throughout her teaching career, Betty inspired many students and taught generations of families in the wet mountain valley. 

She was active in her community, participating in The Women’s Club, The Westcliffe United Methodist Church, The United Methodist Women’s Club, The Columbine Club and The Custer County Historical Society.  

Betty is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughter Michele, son-in-law Steve Ehredt, grandson Wyatt Ehredt, her brother and sister-in-law Bob and Ruth Sparling, nieces Anne Randolph, Lisa Holder, and Gail Ausbun, and nephews Larry and True Sparling.

Donations can be made to Custer County Alumni Association  and mailed to 299 County RD 192 Westcliffe CO 81252

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