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Obituary: Betty Jane Sarber

Betty Jane Sarber

June 4, 1956 — Sept. 18, 2018

Our family is sad to announce that Betty Jane Sarber passed away on Sept 18, 2018. After a courageous battle with cancer, she passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends.

Betty Sarber was born June 4, 1956 in Lincoln, NE to Bob and Millie Schuldt. She is survived by her husband and best friend of 35 years, Kurt Sarber, and her adored son, Michael Sarber, as well as her father Bob, her brothers Gus and Jim and their wives, her sister Barb and her husband, and many other family members and friends. She was dearly loved by many.

Betty lived a passionate life full of love and caring. She was a grounded, salt of the earth, simple woman with a pit bull attitude when it came to advocating for her son and for others. She was devoted to her husband, son, family, friends, community, and to making the world a better place. Happiest in nature, Betty loved hiking with her dogs, back packing, skiing, hut trips, biking, camping and sailing. She loved discovering new places to explore.

After graduating from the University of Nebraska, she became one of the first female executives to work at IBM. The mountains of Colorado called to Betty and she has made Summit County her home for the past 37 years. She worked as the Director of Data Processing for Summit County Government, she was also employed by Sharpshooters Photography and the Community Care Clinic in Breckenridge.

Betty Sarber was fiercely passionate about helping others and being involved in community work and being politically active. She served as a Democratic State Delegate for Colorado. Betty was the founder, heart and soul of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) High Country chapter. She was also a founding board member of Building Hope Summit County and a critical player in both organizations’ success.

Betty had a passion for supporting those suffering from the impacts of mental illness. She would say, “I am the one who brings a casserole to your house and sits with you.” No matter the time of night or day, Betty would be there for others who were suffering. She was authentic and genuine. She had no formal training in therapy yet instinctively knew how to help others. She started organizations, wrote letters, organized groups, meetings and speakers and was always a voice for those suffering. She never received a salary or compensation for her efforts to improve the mental health system. She gave of her time and energy to make Summit County a better place to live.

You are invited to join us in a Celebration of Betty’s Life on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 4-7 p.m. at Carter Park in Breckenridge. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to NAMI High Country Colorado, PO Box 5567, Frisco, CO. 80443.

We would also like to extend our gratitude for all the help and support from the wonderful people at the Shaw Cancer Center and Bristlecone Health Services.


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