Obituary of Elizabeth Grace Olstad

Elizabeth Grace Olstad

Dec. 7. 1933- Oct. 21, 2021

Elizabeth Grace “Betty” (Olstad) Morton, age 87, passed away  Oct. 21,2021 at Peppi’s House Hospice in Tucson, AZ.  She was born Dec. 7, 1933 in Minneapolis, MN. Her parents were Dr. William John and Lella Belle (Tarter) Simon. She graduated from the University of Iowa and began her teaching career. She married Charles F. Olstad Aug. 25, 1957 and they later moved to Tucson, Az. They had 4 children together. Charles died June 28, 1976 in Tucson. Betty married Craig Slader Morton in 1995. He recently passed away Sept. 12, 2021.

Betty spent her career in education with TUSD. She was a teacher at Richey Elementary then Manzo Elementary advocating for early childhood education. She later retired from Borton Elementary as a librarian. During that time, she obtained a masters degree in education as well as a masters in library science.

Betty will be remembered for her love of books and politics (not necessarily in that order).

If you ever met her, she made sure that you knew you were "loved and adored”. She had a way of making those around her feel relevant and special.

There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, the light remains.

Betty is survived by her three sons, Carl (Patricia M.) Olstad of Tucson, Az; William Olstad of Tucson, Az; Jan (Colleen M.) Olstad of Albuquerque, NM; One daughter, Lois (Michael) Meyer of Mt. Laurel, NJ; Six grand children, Carl Porter & Rochelle  Elizabeth Olstad; Charles James & Darren Michael Meyer; Ryan William & Emily Grace Olstad, one brother, Jay Daniel (Carol Ann Ellefsen) Simon of Prior Lake, MN.

An informal gathering will be held Nov. 27, 2021 from 11:00-2:00 pm at Forty Niner Country Club outdoor pavilion 12000 E Tanque Verde Rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona or Peppi’s House Hospice at TMC.