Elizabeth Ellen Reynolds, affectionately known as Libby, peacefully passed away on September 17, 2025, at the age of 93, with her daughter at her bedside in Parker, Colorado. Born at home, in rural Pennsylvania, in the winter of 1932, Libby grew up during the Great Depression era, learning the importance of hard work, simplicity, and community.
Libby’s strong roots and values were shaped by her childhood and her parents, Clifford and Pearl Bortz, former school teachers turned dairy farmers. As a young girl, Libby began dreaming of going to college. At the age of 14, she started a small business growing and selling strawberries and pansies, as well as selling eggs from the Bortz farm, to fund her education.
During the summer of 1954, Libby’s life changed forever in just three short weeks. She graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Home Economics, married her college sweetheart Joe, and moved to California, where she lived for over 70 years, before moving to Colorado in 2021 to be closer to her family.
Libby and Joe made their longtime home in Williams, California, where they raised three children, and became an integral part of the community. Both were school teachers for many years: Libby taught in Colusa, and Joe in Williams. Libby and Joe were married for 42 years until his passing.
A devoted wife, mother, and friend, Libby was always willing to lend a helping hand. She volunteered at the Community Church and participated in community and county events. After retiring, both Libby and Joe worked with the Laubach literacy program. Libby’s love of learning and dedication to others showed in everything she did.
Libby’s creative spirit and love of crafts were evident in her many hobbies, which included crocheting, embroidering, and quilting. For years, Libby hosted a craft booth at the Colusa Fairgrounds, selling her handmade items under the name “Mrs. Strawberry’s Creations.” Libby’s talents and creativity earned her numerous awards and recognition at county and state fairs.
Libby’s life was blessed with a rich heritage of faith from past generations. She remained faithful and true throughout her life to the Lord, her family, her friends, and to her commitments. The verses of Psalm 121 became a treasured family heirloom when Libby’s mother, Pearl, bequeathed them to her descendants in her will. The passage begins with: “I lift my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord…” (The Bible, RSV). This scripture became a special gift that Libby carried with her throughout her life.
Elizabeth Reynolds is survived by her cherished family, including her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Yuriko Reynolds; her daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and David Clouse; her son-in-law, Pete Tyler; her three grandsons, Matthew Clouse, Michael Clouse, and Patrick Tyler; her six great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph; infant son, Stanley; daughter, Laura; her parents, Clifford and Pearl; and her siblings, Eugene and Ethel.
Libby’s life was a testament to her strong faith, which guided her through every challenge. Her legacy will live on through her family, the countless lives she touched, and the memories she created, forever in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held to honor Libby, and also to remember her daughter Laura Tyler, who passed away in 2020. The service will take place at the Community Church in Williams, California, on November 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Williams Community Church memorial fund.