Betty Jo Drees (Edwards)

Betty Jo Drees

May 18, 1927 ~ May 21, 2015

Betty Jo Drees passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2015, at Valley Manor in Montrose, Colo. She passed as she wished, sleeping and at peace.

Betty Jo was born to Charles and Ora Edwards on May 18, 1927. Betty Jo was born in Centralia, Wash. The family moved to California when Betty Jo was an infant. She spent her growing up years and a lot of her adulthood in California.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; father and mother; two brothers; and a sister. Betty Jo is survived by her children and grandchildren. Daughte,r Marlaine Cribbins (Bill), Bruce Drees (Debbie), Vicki Guiterrez (Roman), Edward “Ed” Paradis (Peggy), Richard Paradis (Sherry), Michael Paradis (Lori), and Shari Drees (Sandy). Betty Jo had 21 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. Betty Jo spent the last 30 plus years in her beloved state of Colorado.

Betty Jo was the first woman to join the Montrose (Colo.) Lions Club in 1995 to 2004. She served next to her husband, Bill Drees, who also served a term as Governor for the Western Colorado District (6 West) in 1996. Through Mom’s example of service, her daughter-in-law, Sherry Paradis, served from 1995 to present day. She was also the first woman president from 1999 to 2000. She still serves as a loyal member today.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to HopeWest Hospice, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose CO 81402.

The family extends thanks to the extraordinary care given from Hospice and Valley Manor. Mom is home with her Heavenly Father and family members.