In Memory of Elizabeth (Betty) Biever

Elizabeth (Betty) Biever, the most senior member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 111, passed away on March 17, 2023.  Betty would have celebrated her 100th birthday on June 25, 2023.  She could often be found supporting the AL Auxiliary at Monday night Bingo with family and friends. 

Born in Minneapolis on June 25, 1923, to second-generation Irish immigrants, Elizabeth (Betty) Garrity was the youngest of six children. She moved to Chicago as a young girl where she eventually me her future husband, Theodore (Ted) Biever Sr. A Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Ted was shot out of the sky by German forces and held captive in P.O.W. Camp Stalig XVIIB for nearly two years before he escaped. The two wrote each other all throughout World War II.

After the war ended, Betty and Ted were married in 1946. The two started a family and ultimately welcomed five beloved children before moving from Chicago to the nearby suburbs of Rockford, Ill. Betty and Ted divorced in 1971 but remained close friends for the remainder of their lives. After her children were grown, Betty relocated to South Florida and began a new career with the U.S. Customs Service. She retired at the age of 75 but never slowed down. She eventually moved west to be near family in Colorado, where she lived the rest of her golden years with zest and joy.

Betty had many positive attitudes, to include a great love of her family and friends, and especially Veterans. There will be a Celebration of Betty’s life at noon on June 24th at Waneka Lake Park, Lafayette.  Let us show our love and support of this amazing woman with a solid American Legion presence.