Betty Ann Newell

Elizabeth “Betty” Ann (Pravecek) Newell, age 92, of Englewood, Colorado, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026. She was born on March 13, 1933, in Scotland, South Dakota, to Frank Pravecek and Eulalia “Lillian” (Stverak) Pravecek.

Betty earned her teaching certificate from Southern State Teachers College and began her career as a teacher in her hometown in a one room classroom for grades 1-6. Throughout her life, she was blessed to keep in touch with several of her students. On June 14, 1955, she married Duane Newell and moved to Boulder Colorado where Duane attended college while she worked as a hook sneller for Eagle Claw. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service, eventually settling in Littleton, Colorado, where they raised their seven children.

After the unexpected death of her husband Duane in 1980, Betty devoted herself wholeheartedly to providing the best possible life for her family. Through her unwavering hard work, patience, and encouragement, all of her children grew into successful adults. Her life was a testament to selfless service—first to her family and then to countless others.

For nearly 60 years, Betty was deeply involved at All Souls Catholic Church. She served faithfully in many capacities, including working in the school kitchen; as a member of the Altar and Rosary Society; as a Eucharistic Minister; volunteering with the Holy Ghost Sandwich Line; holding several leadership roles within the St. Vincent de Paul Society; and, until just a few years ago, organizing the church’s quarterly blood drive.

Betty found her greatest joy in time spent with her children and grandchildren, faithfully attending their many activities and events—4-H, Boy Scouts, sports, band, choir, theater, and service projects such as making sandwiches for those in need. She also had a spirited love of 1980s rock music and delighted in attending concerts with her children.

An avid gardener, Betty lovingly fed her family from her garden for many years. Her homemade salsa—made faithfully every summer—was a family favorite and tradition until she moved to a retirement community in 2024. In her later years, she enjoyed reading the Bible and other books, playing bingo, singing in the choir, mastering Chinese Checkers (undefeated in the eyes of her family), and participating in community outings.

Above all, Betty loved the Lord, a devotion reflected in everything she said and did.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lillian Pravecek, her step-mother Vlasta Pravecek, husband Duane Newell, son Michael Newell and brother Lambert Pravecek.

She is survived by her children: Patricia Carlton, Marjorie Troxell, Mark Newell (Cheryl), Cynthia Camp (Stephen), Terese Upton (Timothy), and Edward Newell (fiancée Christi Sullivan); her grandchildren: Christopher Carlton, Tori Telfer, Elizabeth Troxell, Daniel Troxell, Nathaniel Newell, Whitney Newell, Rockne Newell, Michaela Newell, Mackenzie Newell, Joshua Camp, Jordan Camp, Ashley Upton and Alex Upton; as well as 9 great grandchildren, daughter-in-law Mina Gallardo, sister Kathryn (Pravecek) Osborn and two brothers Francis Pravecek and Charles Pravecek.

The family will receive friends and family at All Souls Catholic Church, 4950 S. Logan Street, Englewood 80113 on January 31st from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m., immediately followed by the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow in the school cafeteria. Interment will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery on February 2 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the All Souls Conference of the St. Vincent De Paul Society (Link - St. Vincent de Paul).

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the All Souls community for their prayers, kindness, and support for Betty and her family.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7