Bette Rae Larsen Colobella
1927 ~ 2010
Bette Rae Larsen Colobella passed away May 4, 2010 in Salt Lake City, UT.Born in Salt Lake City on July 10, 1927 to Andrew Lawrence and Nola Andrear Larsen, she was the seventh of nine children. On April 10, 1948, she married Sam Colobella and their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
The two worked side-by-side throughout their married life, traveling the world, inspiring everyone they encountered, and raising four children.
With a heart that knew no limits, Bette's life's mission and greatest joy came from service to others. She served in the Red Cross during World War II and was intensely devoted to her children and grandchildren, celebrating their every accomplishment and encouraging them in their dreams. She loved the mountains, camping, picnics, dancing, knitting, crocheting and watching her grandkids play baseball or dance.
Her hospitality knew no bounds. With a joyful spirit, she opened her home to family and friends who could always count on her delicious cooking and delightful company.
Her love and generosity extended far beyond the walls of her home. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bette faithfully wrote letters and sent baked goods to missionaries serving all over the world. Her loving hands were always at work, knitting beautiful slippers, scarves and hats by the hundreds, and sending them to nursing homes, hospital wards, service men and women throughout the world and friends and family.
When a gift was received from Bette, it was the wrapping that was as special as the content. A hard worker and dedicated to success, Bette led by example and proved to be a creative business woman. She never asked what needed to be done. She just did it. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Bette is survived by her four children Patsy Colton Salt Lake City; Larry Colobella (Vivian) Bountiful; Dianna Kokoszka (Tony DiCello) Austin, TX; Raelene Davis (Lyle) Salt Lake City; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters Dona Suarez, Santa Rosa, CA; Beverly Kunz (Lee) Golden, CO; sister and brother-in-law Vera and Albert Cuglietta Salt Lake City and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceded in death by her husband, Sam, parents and six siblings.
A celebration of Bette's life will take place Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grandview Third Ward LDS chapel, 2930 South 2000 East, Salt Lake City, UT. Friends and family may also gather Friday 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Dr., Salt Lake City and one hour prior to Saturday's celebration. Interment: Wasatch Lawn.