Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Rodiles, age 46, of Phoenix, AZ, died unexpectedly of a brain aneurysm Saturday, March 1, 2008, at Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ.
Betsy was born September 16, 1961, in New Rockford, ND, the daughter of Myron and Mary Ann Allmaras Birkeland. She grew up in New Rockford, and graduated from New Rockford Central High School in 1979. Betsy was a “Sun Devil” graduating from ASU with a Bachelor of Arts in Health Science.
Betsy met Jose and was his biggest fan during his baseball career at ASU. They were united in marriage on February 14, 1984, in Tempe, AZ. Betsy and Jose enjoyed 24 amazing years together.
Betsy’s incredible ability to work with people began at America West Airlines as a Customer Service Representative. She had a wonderful 20 year career with Heil-Brice as Vice President of Account Services. Bets loved kids and was proud to be involved in education as a substitute teacher in the Phoenix School system. Most recently, Betsy’s dynamic personality led her to a position as a Political Consultant.
Betsy was a member of Corpus Christi Church and was very honored to serve as a Eucharistic Minister.
Betsy simply LOVED life! She was passionate about running, cycling, dancing, reading, snow-skiing, baking, and eating ice cream. Betsy treasured every minute at West McDonald Lake in Minnesota ~ morning coffee, her daily swim, water skiing, biking, boating, sunsets, s’mores and hanging out with family and friends.
Betsy touched many lives volunteering at 1st Way Pregnancy Support Center and Pure Fashion. She and Gabsy shared the joy of knitting prayer shawls as an expression of love and comfort at local hospitals.
The ultimate gift for Betsy was the miraculous birth of Gabriela. From then on each moment in Betsy’s life was overflowing with pride and joy.
Betsy will be sadly missed by her husband, Jose, daughter, Gabriela, parents, Myron and Mary Ann Birkeland, five brothers and two sisters, Ann late Tim Guler, Mike Carol, Tom, Terry Sherri, Bob Angela, Buffy Scott Medalen, and Timmy Penny, father-in-law and mother-in-law Thomas and Maria Rosa Rodiles, brother-in-law Tommy Joan Rodiles, cherished family friend, Patty Silver along with many special aunts and uncles.
Betsy had a unique bond with her nieces and nephews loving them with all her heart ~
Eric, Amanda, Maddie, Rachael, Timmy, Gretchen, Nate, Mamie, Brian, Kristopher, Jonathan, Stephanie, Emily, Mitch, Mark, Elle, Drew, Liz, Jack, Lauren, Ryan, Brett, and Hunter.
Betsy was preceded in death by her grandparents, Louie and Ann Clavin Allmaras, Olaf and Mamie Dailey Birkeland, baby sister Susan, and special brother-in-law, Tim Guler.
Betsy’s loss of life has become the gift of life. She was a DONOR. Her generous spirit will live on in the lives of many.
Memorials can be made to 1st Way Pregnancy Support Center and Donor Network of Arizona.
Visitation: Friday, March 7, 2008 from 5 to 8 PM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E.
Indian School Rd., Phoenix.
Funeral: Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 10 AM at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E. Knox Rd., Phoenix.
A Memorial Service will be held in New Rockford, North Dakota at a later date.
Condolences can be shared via www.caringbridge.org ~ betsybirkelandrodiles.
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