Elizabeth Mary Barton, PhD (also known as Betsy to close friends and family members), passed away on August 16, 2024 after a brief illness. Born on January 30, 1950 in Columbia, MO, Elizabeth was a dedicated mental health professional who devoted her career to helping others.

Elizabeth was a lifelong learner and held a BA in Psychology from West Virginia University (1972), an MS and PhD in Human Development from Pennsylvania State University (1974, 1978), an MBA from Pennsylvania State University (1981), and an MSW from the University of Denver (2000) which she embarked on at at age 48. Her extensive education and experience equipped her to provide compassionate and effective care to those she served.

Prior to obtaining her MSW, Elizabeth worked at Flatirons Elementary School as a volunteer paraeducator, a teacher at Sunshine House Montessori Preschool, and a volunteer with Hospice of Boulder County, providing one-on-one bereavement support and facilitating bereavement groups. She joined Mental Health Partners as a therapist in 2000, serving on the School Based Team and Child Adolescent and Family Services Team, in addition to seeing private clients.

Elizabeth was a voracious reader with a vast collection of books on topics ranging from psychology to mountaineering, from birding to life at sea - and she loved a good mystery. She was also a prolific writer who penned two unpublished novels, maintained extensive journals, and engaged in written correspondence with friends and loved ones. She enjoyed collecting rocks (particularly round rocks from the Olympic Peninsula in Washington) and fossils. In 2023, she and her children traveled to Lyme Regis, UK, specifically to see the Jurassic marine fossil beds that she had read so much about.

Elizabeth is survived by her daughter, Sarah Barton Studer, of Seattle, WA, her son, Zachary Barton Studer, of Shrewsbury, England, and her six siblings, Sarah Barton (Alaska), Peter Barton (Washington), Rachel Barton (Oregon), Matthew Barton (Washington), Mary Agnes Barton Newbraugh (West Virginia), Judith Barton Pearson (Pennsylvania), and their families. She was preceded in death by her father, Jay Barton II (2000), and her mother, Ann Taylor Barton (2006).

Elizabeth will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother to her children - her love for them was boundless, and she took great pride in their accomplishments. She will also be remembered for her independent spirit and meaningful friendships. Her legacy of kindness, empathy, and dedication to mental health will be deeply missed. Donations in Elizabeth’s memory may be made to Mental Health Partners and Colorado Public Radio. Details on a Celebration of Life are forthcoming and will be shared on the following Memorial page: https://www.inmemoriamservices.com/obituary/Elizabeth-Barton