Elizabeth was born on November 12, 1952 in Edmonton, Alberta. She was the first child of Mary and Raymond Ericson. Betty lived in Edmonton and was later joined by her sister Jean. In 1960 her mother remarried, and they moved to Calgary. She and her sister were adopted by her mother’s new spouse and the last name was changed to Van Kleek. Betty and her sister Jean went to school in Calgary and upon graduation Betty began her career as an illustrator working for the Hudson’s Bay in the advertising department doing graphic design. During this time she married her husband Ron Marchuk, a childhood sweetheart. Betty and Ron had two children, Rebecca and Benjamin. Years later Betty became a single parent, moved to Ontario with her children and worked for various advertising firms and even published her own magazine, Sage. Betty remarried in 2010 and moved to DeBolt Alberta and took up farming with her new husband Allen Segstro. In 2014 Betty and her husband moved from DeBolt to retire in Radium Hot Springs B.C. Betty continued to produce art work through caricatures, wildlife drawings, oil and water paintings. Betty was well known in the local art community and often was present at various local markets in the area.
Unfortunately, Betty succumbed to a sudden illness while in hospital despite a valiant fight on January 11th, 2025. She is survived by her husband Allen, sister Jean (Lethbridge), daughter Rebecca (Ottawa), son Benjamin (Ottawa) and three grandchildren, Cody, William, and Sam.
As per Betty’s wishes, her life will be celebrated in private and there will be no funeral service.