Elizabeth Jane Cowles

Elizabeth "Betsy" Cowles, 72, originally of Connellsville, Pennsylvania passed away on January 30, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born on August 14, 1949 to Thomas Eli Cowles and Florence May Cowles also of Connellsville, Pennsylvania. Betsy went to Connellsville High School and graduated in 1967. She went on to earn two degrees in education, a Bachelor's Degree from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Master's Degree from the California University of Pennsylvania. Betsy dedicated her life to teaching others and improving the lives of hundreds of children. She worked as an elementary school, middle school, and special education teacher for various school districts for over thirty-four years. For her efforts, she was recognized as one of thirty-five semifinalists for the 2006 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Award (out of 3,300 nominees) - an amazing honor. Throughout her life, Betsy was also a cheerful giver to several charities associated with her church as well as routine contributions to Compassion International. Additionally, she delighted in numerous joys of life to include milk chocolate Hershey's Kisses, experiencing the beauty of nature, attending church, loving her dogs, visiting with her entire extended family, and helping her countless friends. Betsy was so loved by so many - especially the many children she nurtured - that it is difficult to capture the enormous positive effect that her life had on the lives of others. We are blessed with fond memories, her lasting love, and her boundless faith. We will all miss her smile dearly.She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Florence Cowles. Betsy is survived by her son, Matthew Humphrey, and her daughter-in-law, Tenaya Humphrey, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; her grandchildren, Elias Humphrey and Ayla Humphrey, that she affectionately referred to as her "crowns"; her four siblings, Marilee Morris, Barbara Brace, Virginia Oberleitner, and T.J. Cowles; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Ms. Kimberly York of Solaris Hospice, Pastor Jason Jackson of New Life Church, and the entire staff at Stone Creek Memory Care at Flying Horse. Thank you.In celebration of her life, a memorial service for Elizabeth "Betsy" Cowles will be tentatively scheduled for May 28, 2022 in the Pittsburgh area. Details will follow from the family once they are available.Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association,https://act.alz.org/donate.