Elsa Beth Hertneky
July 20, 1931 ~ November 20, 2007
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Elsa Beth Hertneky, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, loyal friend and highly respected retired educator and counselor passed away Nov. 20, 2007.
Elsa Beth was born in Kansas City, MO, on July 20, 1931. At the age of fourteen days, Pueblo became her home. She attended Fountain Elementary, Risley Junior High and Centennial High School. Upon graduating high school, in 1949, she attended Pueblo Junior College and Adams State College. She began teaching at Fountain Elementary in 1960. After four years she became a school counselor. For fifteen years she was a counselor at Freed Junior High and then transferred to Heaton for another twelve years. She retired in 1991 after thirty-one years of service to Pueblo School District No. 60.
Elsa Beth was preceded in death by her parents Robert M. Clark (1972) and Lyla M. Clark (1989), her soul mate of thirty-five years, Edwin Hertneky (1987) and her son, Kirk Hertneky (1991).
She is survived by her children - daughter, Beth Anne (Mark) Koester of Phoenix, AZ, sons, Clark W. (Jo Ann) Hertneky and Scott (Lisa) Hertneky, and daughter, Sandy (Richard) Gecewicz, all of Pueblo. Also survived by eleven grandchildren, Laura and Lynn Koester of Phoenix, AZ, Brian and Valerie Hertneky, Melissa, Megan, Justin and Lucas Hertneky, Ian Shatford, Jason (Kandace) Gecewicz and Jaydee (Chris) Bratnick all of Pueblo, two great-granddaughters, Eva Brewer and Aubree Gecewicz, as well as a large extended family and a host of many loyal, life long friends.
She was active in many community and social organizations. These included the League of Women Voters, The Centennial 49ers, the Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, Phi Sigma Alpha Sorority, Alpha Beta Chapter, Pueblo Retired Teacher Association, National Teacher Association, Phi Delta Kappa, American Association of University Women, the Pueblo Historical Society, The Ladies Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Pueblo Elkettes No. 90 and the China Lantern Sunday lunch bunch.
Elsa Beth was an avid fisherman and loved to spend time in Taylor Park. Her other interests included reading, doing Sudoku, cross word puzzles, dancing, traveling, socializing and big band music. 'The Camp Director,' as she was affectionately known, will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Our consolation is knowing that one day we will be with her again in a more wonderful place.
There will be no viewing. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial service, 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel with the Reverend Dr. Rick Calhoun officiating. Reception to follow, Montgomery & Steward Banquet Hall.
In lieu of food and flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice House at 1716 N. Reading, Pueblo, CO 81001, in her name.
Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com
Patty and I adored your mother. We would often see her at China Lantern and visit for quite a while. I remember her as a counselor and always wished she was mine.
Your mother spoke highly of each of you and Patty and I enjoyed her humor and savvy. She will be missed by all. We are so lucky that she walked along our paths.
God Bless all of you during this difficult and painful time. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
My sincere condolences to the family of Elsa Beth and to all her many friends who will miss her positive and meaningful presence. You have contributed much in this lifetime, Elsa Beth. May you find peace, love, and meaningful adventure in your new existence.
Scott and Family,
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. Your precious memories of her will keep her close to your heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Nick and Carol Gonzales
Beth Anne, Mark, Laura and Lynn,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Elsa Beth was one of those strong family pillars who will be missed. May you find the Lord’s strength and comfort in the days ahead. Blessings to you all.
Sandy, Rick, Jason, Kandy and Aubree,
My deepest sympathy to you all. I will keep you in my prayers.
Love,
Belinda
Elsa Beth had an insightful mind I shall miss her comments and observations at the League of Women Voters meetings.
My sincerest condolences to the family of Mrs. Hertneky. I knew her when I was a student at Freed Jr. High in the 60’s. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Elsa Beth, you had a wonderful family and we know you hated to leave them. But the other side of the coin – you will be with Doc again!
Junior and Twila Cebulski
I am so sorry for your loss. I was a student at Freed Junior High during the years “Mrs. Hertneky” was a counselor. She was a wonderful, steady, caring influence for me, and I am sure others, during those turbulent adolescent years. She will be missed. Sherry (Johnston) Baker