We Remember

IVANS, Elizabeth “Betty” (née Caldow)
November 4, 1931 — March 22, 2025
On March 22, 2025, Betty Ivans passed away peacefully at the Vineyards in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 93.
Betty is survived by her brother Andy Caldow (Esther); her daughters Joanne, Judy (Al), and Janette (Marv); her grandchildren Carlee (Mike), Chase, Brock; and her great-grandchildren Evan, Nash, and Ellie. Betty was predeceased by her husband Ernie (d. 2006), and her brothers Bob and Gordon Caldow.
Betty was born in Kelowna on November 4, 1931. She spent her early years on a farm near Tappin, BC, then the family moved to Glenmore, so she and her siblings could attend high school in Kelowna. It was there that she met her future husband, Ernie. Betty loved sports and was a member of the Kelowna Aces Softball team that won the provincials in 1950. She was a dedicated Toronto Blue Jays fan and was able to attend several home games later in life.
Betty attended nursing school at Royal Columbian Hospital with her best friend Doreen Underhill Ensign and after graduation in 1953, Betty returned to Kelowna to work at KGH (Kelowna General Hospital). Betty and Ernie were married in 1955 and a few years later started their family and moved to the orchard in Ellison, where they farmed for many years. In 1981, they began building their dream home on Dilworth Mountain. Betty lived there until 2017, when she moved to the adult community of Sandalwood.
The family spent time together travelling, camping, and enjoyed many summers at the cabin on Okanagan Lake with friends and family.
Betty always had a vegetable garden and was happiest spending time in it. Betty found time to volunteer in her community, at the Blood Donor Clinic and at her church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kidney Foundation and Kelowna General Hospital (KGH Foundation).
A Memorial Service, will be held on FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2025, at 10:30 AM (PDT), at Central Okanagan United Church, 721 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Zoom at the time of the service (see below)
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
ZOOM:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87180971824?pwd=V3BuaXJWK0JZM3RyTGVIS1ZQcFJwdz09
Meeting ID: 871 8097 1824
Passcode: 523290
Service
Friday, March 28, 2025, at 10:30 AM (PDT)
Location
Central Okanagan United Church
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Service Details
The service for IVANS, Elizabeth “Betty” (née Caldow) is scheduled for Friday, March 28, 2025, at 10:30 AM (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
To Betty’s Family, We had the pleasure of moving to Sandalwood late in 2017 and meeting your mother. She was such a strong and lovely person. Betty set such a high standard for us as we watched her making her way to the pool for Aquafit, occasionally attending our outdoor summer afternoon Happy Hour events not to forget her several walks each day! We were so fortunate to call her our friend.
Sincerely,
Judy and Jim Morris
#424
What a wonderful life! We had so many visits to Auntie Betty’s (or the cabin) over the years, and too many laughs to count! I know she’s at peace with Uncle Ernie now. We will cherish our many happy memories of her.
Joanne, Judy and Jeanette, your mom was an incredible woman. When she was in nurses’ training at Royal Columbian Hospital she was my life line. I was a very sick hospitalized 7 year old who could only get parental visits on the weekends. No siblings. Children were not allowed to visit in those days. Betty, Doreen and one other nursing friend would be my only visitors during the week. I’ll always have a very big place in my heart for Auntie Betty. I know her last couple of years were very challenging but I am sorry to see her go.
My heartfelt condolences to Betty’s family. We were in the 53B class at RCH School of Nursing. There are so many happy memories of BETTY & Ernie and our reunion gatherings. You were such a comfort to your Mom in her later years. Much love to all the family. Marilyn Parsons
Dear Joanne, Judy, & Jeanette,
Your Mum was on a Pedestal for many of us…
Her smile lit up a room and so quickly moved to laughter , while her caring, Mothering Nature ( to tuck us all under her wing, and, share her joy of life) was simultaneous to peeling carrots, making her special, annoying cousin, Geordie, Raspberry Pie at 6 AM, before it got hot , or whatever the immediate task was that must get done ,we all wanted to be around her , to feel that encompassing Joy . She was the families Glue, Historian, Caregiver.
For us , she was Geordie’s, older sister. To our sons, Marty & Curtis, their Special Aunt, who could be so much fun, feed them by the Canadian Health Rules from her Garden & make the whole environment right.
“WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.. MATTHEW 25:21
Your Mom and my Mom Anne were friends forever. And of course my Dad and your Dad. They were always part of the circle as far as I can remember. Such great memories. Take strength in your families at this time and although it is tough to bear think of the good times. She will be at peace now and can reunite with all her friends.
Love to you all
Colleen
Judy, Joanne & Janette and all your family. So sorry to hear of this sad news.
I remember your Mom as a special lady growing up. Always smiling & so upbeat.
Our condolences to your family
We had the pleasure of getting to know Betty when we attended First United Church. Every fall, when she was still living on Dilworth, she donated boxes of apples to us for making applesauce for the church’s ‘Just Brunch’ fundraiser. She had a lovely smile.
Betty was a dear friend starting when I moved from Calgary to Kelowna with my parents. We played basketball together at Kelowna High. During the high school years, Betty’s parents hosted many Saturday nights with Betty and Ernie and Betty’s brothers and their girlfriends and myself and Murray. Betty’s Dad called Scottish Squares (a form of square dance) for all of us to dance to. Betty’s Mom always had wonderful food for all. Our friendship continued with my future husband, Murray and Betty’s future husband, Ernie going to Tech school in Calgary together after graduation. We visited through the years at each of our farms and enjoyed many fishing trips together. Love, Florence Haworth
What an amazing Lady. I came up two years ago for my goodbye visit with Auntie Betty. She showed me the Buck shed that was done in her presence at the home she stayed after moving off the hill…..she with a lil caldow frustration as she struggled to say finally to me….
The Buck from my hill…
And then the Betty smile…….
Your everything to a lot of people’s memories Betty…
Peace be with you
Betty was a true gem of a lady. She was exactly the person she portrayed to the world and from the moment I met her I loved and respected her. She is with Ernie now. Rest in Peace. xo