Obituary: Betty Jane Giles Kolodge

Betty Jane Giles Kolodge, age 91, former resident of Cloquet and St. Anthony, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. She was born in Clayton, North Carolina on August 9, 1932, to Jacob and Lula (Turnage) Giles.

Betty graduated from Cleveland High School in North Carolina. While living and working in Raleigh, North Carolina, Betty met and married Richard Robert (Rocky) Kolodge while he was serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Robert A. Owens. Betty and Richard married in the Cathedral of Sacred Heart in Raleigh on June 23, 1951. After they wed, Betty and Richard moved back to Rocky's beloved hometown of Cloquet, Minnesota, where they raised four children: Elizabeth, Montgomery, Gregory, and Tracy.

Betty was always known for her exceptional creativity, hospitality, and southern charm. Her gardens and many various creations of art would always make their home sparkle. She loved many holidays, especially Christmas, entertaining her family and friends was always the highlight for her. Always proud of her southern roots, Betty grew to be very fond of Cloquet, where she served in the Scouts, and was active in sewing clubs, art classes, and walking. She also served and attended St. Casimir's church in Cloquet and that was always something she was proud of and looked forward to. She loved the many friends and relatives that were a part of the Polish church and town.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, parents and her siblings Jacob Aulmon Giles, Bert Giles, Frank Giles, Conrad Giles, Hubert Giles, Henry Giles, Olivia Giles, Frances Johnson, and Inez Thompson.

She is survived by two sons Monte (Cheryl) Kolodge of Minneapolis, Greg (Lisa) Kolodge of Duluth, daughters Elizabeth (Drew) Blowers of Wadena, MN, and Tracy (Scott) Mallory of Cypress, Texas, along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services to be held at the Washburn-McReavy Columbia Heights Chapel, 4101 Central Ave NE, at 11 a.m. Nov. 18, 2023, with a visitation one hour prior. Private family interment at a later date.