Betty Ruth Counts' Obituary
Our beloved mother, Betty Ruth Counts, age 89 of Lehi, Utah died peacefully in her home on Wednesday October 17th 2018. She was born January 26, 1929 in Las Vegas, Nevada to Conrad Leroy and LaPrele Waite Neagle. She was raised in Las Vegas during the Depression and WWII. Growing up in such a difficult time taught her the value of hard work, sacrifice, and family. She graduated from Las Vegas High School and worked as a switchboard operator at the telephone company along with her mother.
She married Richard Allen Collier and had 5 children. She later married Joseph Counts in Tacoma, WA and later moved to Utah. They were sealed in the Mt.Timpanogos Temple. They welcomed several foster children into their home, loved traveling to visit family, and owned a Sonic drive-in. She went back to school at the age of 50, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Ed from BYU. She loved working with children and was a teacher for over 20 years. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and The Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She served faithfully in many callings in the Church and loved singing in the choir. Her most important work was her family and she served them with love and compassion throughout her life. She was the first to minister to family and friends who were experiencing loneliness and heartache. She was loved and cherished by everyone who knew her. She always had time for those in need and taught us all what it means to be like the Savior.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; her siblings Meryl Neagle, Arthur Neagle, Harry Fields, Jerry Fields; her grandchildren, Fletcher Soper and Kinsey Collier; and great grandson Skyler Collier.
She is survived by her children, David Collier(Robin), James Collier, Catherine (Michael Webb), Barbara (Mark Stacy), Patricia (C.Joseph Beagley); and 24 Grandchildren, 59 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
The Funeral will be held on Wednesday October 24, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Lehi North Stake Center at 2178 North 1200 East Lehi, UT. A viewing will be held in the Relief Society room prior to the services from 9:30-10:45 am. Burial will be at Highland City Cemetery following the funeral.
We wish to express appreciation to iCare Hospice (Rebekah, Burt, Rosalind) for their loving care towards our mother and Cedar Hollow 3rd Ward and neighbors for their love and service.
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