Elizabeth "Betty" Giesen

Betty Giesen, 74, formerly of Caldwell, died of natural causes on April 29th in Boise. Betty was born to Elmer R. (Bill) and Martha N. (Nadine) Austin in Hulbert, Oklahoma the oldest of eight children Betty worked with her family on various farms near Tulsa, OK. The family moved to Idaho shortly after she graduated from high school and Betty followed them a few years later in 1960 with her son and daughter. She met and married the love of her life, Charles M “Chuck” Giesen on October 7, 1961 and they added 2 more daughters to the family. She was active in Caldwell women’s bowling leagues, the Eagles Lodge, and with her husband at the Caldwell Elks Lodge. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the lights of her life and she took an active part in the lives of those she lived near and loved talking on the phone to the ones in Utah. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister Lois Bennett, three brother-in-laws: Don, Jack and Bob Giesen, a sister-in-law, Marlene Stahl and son in law, Dave Martin. She is survived by her son John T. Thornton (Bonnie) of Tremonton, UT, daughters Joanna Sherman and Charlotte Martin of Boise and Diana Giesen of Tahlequah, OK. Grandchildren: Richard Thornton (Angie) Jamie Sherman (Samantha) and Jaiden Prather of Boise and James, Shawn, and Toni Reese of Tremonton, UT., nine great- grandchildren that she adored. Brothers E. Richard “Sonny” Austin (Kathy) of Portales, New Mexico, R. Gene “Bubby” Austin (Bette) of West Jordan, UT, sisters: Eileen Cox (Floyd) Bonham, TX, Dorothy Simpson of Rogers, AR, Mary George of Lockwood CO, and June “Wanda” Townsend (Lonnie) Bentonville, AR sister in laws: Ardith Carrick of Sacramento, CA and Betty Giesen of Tulsa, OK, brother in laws: K. Gilbert Stahl of Portland, OR and Tom Bennett of AR and many nieces and nephews. Donations can be made in her name to the American Diabetes Assoc. or MSTI. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nursing staff at St. Luke’s hospital and Avamere Transitional Care Rehabilitation center, both of Boise, for all their compassion in Betty’s last days. Betty’s Memorial Services will be held Friday, May 10, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. Condolences may be given at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com Service Information