Betty Sue Tafoya

Betty Sue Tafoya, beloved resident of Pueblo, Colorado, went to be with the Lord on September 12, 2025, at the age of 91. After a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, she is finally free.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, J. Mike Tafoya; her son, Jeffry Tafoya; her parents, Woodrow and Madge Fleming; her brother, Bob Fleming; her in-laws, Fermin and Lorenza Tafoya; her sister-in-law, Reina Clayton; and her brother-in-law, Dennis “Boone” Tafoya.

She is survived by her devoted children: Jon Tafoya (Nancy), Reina Carrasco (Ernie) and Jana Warren (James). She also leaves behind cherished grandchildren-Stephanie (Chris) Aguilar, Corban (Bobbie) Warren, Jacob Warren, Calyx Warren, Crystal Tafoya, and Bethany Tafoya-and her great-grandchildren, Myla Luna, Autumn Aguilar, and Phoenix Aguilar. Betty was also a beloved aunt to Terri (Ronnie) Ortiz, John Fleming, Debra (Murk) Mansell, and Patric (Liz) Benavidz, as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Born on May 31, 1934, in Boswell, Arkansas, Betty moved to Pueblo with her parents at the age of 10 and lived in The Grove where she attended primary schools. Later, she attended Centennial High School, and then transferred to Central High School, where she graduated as a proud Wildcat in 1951. On December 17, 1955, at age 21, she married her teenage sweetheart, Mike Tafoya, after his return from serving in Korea. They shared 44 years of married life together until Mike’s passing in April 2000. Early in their marriage, Betty worked at the Pueblo Army Depot and later held a secretarial position with C.F. & I. Steel Corporation, as well as teaching dance at Arthur Murray Studios before devoting herself to raising their family.

As a devoted mother of four, Betty was active in the PTA and volunteered for many school activities. A faithful follower of Jesus Christ, she also served in her church as secretary, Sunday School teacher, and youth chaperone. Alongside these commitments, she held various sales positions-from Cutco Cutlery to Culligan Water Softeners-and worked in job placement at a local college, as well as personality profiling with Carlson Learning Corporation. She also enjoyed cosmetic sales, beginning with Viviane Woodard and later Avon. After her children were grown, Betty pursued a career with Mary Kay Cosmetics in 1985. She soon became a Sales Director, mentoring many women in business. She won her first car in 1986 and was often seen around town driving her signature Mary Kay car with the license plates “PNKLDY,” a reflection of both her success and her vibrant personality.

Betty also loved to travel. She enjoyed exploring many places throughout the United States, as well as Mexico, Germany, Russia, Ireland, Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand. A lifelong resident of Pueblo, Betty seemed to know someone everywhere she went. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the blessing of knowing her.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers-Jana Warren, Carrie Mozo, Patty Rodriguez, Maria Palmer and Kathy Bertram-as well as the compassionate team at Gentiva Hospice for their kindness, care, and support during Betty’s final years. Finally, a special thanks to all the residents of Vail Avenue for decades of friendship and for always looking out for our mom and for each other. Truly, it took a “Vaillage.”

The family welcomes condolences and fond memories to be shared on the Montgomery Steward website. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at http://alz.org

A graveside service will be held at Imperial Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Open House from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at 3107 Vail Ave., Pueblo, CO 81005. Family and friends are warmly invited to join Betty’s loved ones for light fare and fellowship as we honor her memory.