Betty Lee was born November 16, 1924 to John and Rose Osolin on the east shore of NeeNoShe Lake south of Eads, Colorado. She left this life on January 13, 2008, only a few weeks after a severe stroke left her active mind at the mercy of her uncooperative body.


She was a bright and curious childso bright she was skipped a grade while attending Lake Center School. She loved to read and when the family moved to town in 1935, she was amazed at all the books in the library across the street from the new home. She decided to read every book in the library and started on the top shelf in the northwest corner. She planned to read a book each day, but when Rose discovered she was reading when there was work to be done, the reading program was halted. At least temporarily.


Betty was always a hard worker. Her first real job was at her parents grocery store in 1937. She learned to figure accounts with a pencil since there were no adding machines, to make change and to take care of customers, skills that served her well her whole life. She prided herself in being able to figure in her head. She worked at First National Bank as head bookkeeper, assisted Gary Woodward at his CPA office and was a clerk at the post office. Betty retired from the Postal service in 1987 after 21 years of service.


After graduating from Eads High School in 1941, Betty married Leonard Fischer, with whom she had five children. She later expanded her family when she married Leroy Jacobs and became a part of the Jacobs clan.


Betty once said she couldnt understand why anyone would want to live anywhere besides Eads with clean air, clear skies, safe water, no crime and the nicest people in the world. She loved this community and was always involved. When the children were young, she was a leader in 4-H, a den Mother for Cub Scouts, Sunday school teacher and homeroom mother. After the children were grown, her interest in local history piqued when Roleta Teal began writing the first Kiowa County History book. With tape recorder in hand, she gathered and edited stories on the history and people of the county, which helped her start and curate the Kiowa County Museum. Betty was an active member of the United Methodist Church, a Red Hatter, a member of the Writers Club, and the Kiowa County Historic Preservation Commission.


When she wasnt otherwise involved, she thought nothing of driving herself to see Scoot and his family in Kansas or Kas and Mike in Oklahoma City. She loved her family and was proud of all her children and, if possible, was even more proud of her grandchildren and great grandsons.


Betty was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters: Aletha Holcomb and Maxine Hockett; l brother, Eugene Osolin (died in infancy); 1 son, Wesley Victor Fischer; husband Leonard Fischer and husband Leroy Jacobs.


She leaves fond memories and empty places in the hearts of her children, Lawanda Allee, Kas (Mike) Stewart, Scoot (Judy) Fischer and Reta Saltzgaver; her six grandchildren; and two great grandsons. She is also survived by her brother, Dean (Jane) Osolin; sisters-in-law, Hazel (Gene) Krueger, Ruthanna Jacobs, Lougene Jacobs; and brothers-in-law Bennie (LaVerne) Fischer, Raymond Baker, George (Jean) Jacobs, Alvin Siefkas, Rich (Pam) Hockett as well as numerous nieces, nephews and a community of friends acquired and cherished over her lifetime.


Funeral services for Betty L. Jacobs were held on January 18, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Eads with Pastor Gary Goettel officiating. Betty Crow, Charlotte Woelk, Sylvia Weeks and Mary Eikner provided the music for the service, Trusting Jesus, Asleep In Jesus and Safe In The Arms Of Jesus. Casketbearers were: John Philpy, Mike Benge, Kevin Siefkas, Terry Laird, Brad Morgan and Tim Weeks. Final committal services were held at the Eads Cemetery in Eads, Colorado.


Memorial contributions can be made to the Kiowa County Historical Commission or the United Methodist Church in Eads.