Betty (Eva) Allen

Survivors include her life partner Bill Arnold, her daughter Merilee and her husband Joseph; her son Steve and his wife Patricia; two grandchildren Jodi and her partner Mathew; John and his wife Barbie; three great granddaughters Shelby and her husband William; Tori and her fiancé Justin; and Addison; 2 great-great granddaughters Hadlee and Finlee.

Betty was born in Denver, Colorado on March 29, 1926. She is preceded in death by 4 sisters and 1 brother. Betty was a truly a native of Colorado living her entire life in the state for almost 97 years. She graduated from West High School in 1944 and married Lester Allen in 1946. In 1950 they built their own home in Denver on South Logan Street. They had 2 children, Merilee and Steve. Las Vegas was their favorite vacation destination and they both liked to gamble. Betty and Lester were married for nearly 40 years. She was a very involved mother and led many Brownie troops, Girl Scout troops & Boy Scout troops. Betty taught children about the Methodist religion by teaching Sunday School at Washington Park Methodist Church for 25 years.

Betty worked for the Rio Grande Railroad for a few years and then in the offices of several Denver Public schools including West High, South High, Byers, Merrill and the main administration building. She often befriended students that needed motherly advice or just someone to tell their worries.

After Lester passed away in 1986, she met Bill Arnold, and they were fortunate to spend 35+ years together. They enjoyed life to the fullest seeing the world on cruise ships as well as traveling to places like Las Vegas, Nashville, Florida and California to visit her nephews. When Colorado approved gambling in Black Hawk she was so excited. Betty also loved soaking in the hot springs and frequented Glenwood Springs. She often brought the whole family along for the fun. She loved the State of Colorado and wanted her grandchildren (Jodi & John) to experience it by taking them on several summer vacations to various Colorado destinations.

In 2005 she moved to Arvada CO to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She was retired yet still volunteered at the elementary school where her great-granddaughter was a student. The entire school knew her as “Grandma Betty”.

Betty was a wife, life partner, mother, sister, aunt, friend, grandmother, great-grandmother and a great-great grandmother. She lived a long, wonderful life. Blessed with family, friends and good health. She was able to do all the things she loved until about 4 years ago when she was diagnosed with a serious heart condition. She passed away at home with Bill and her family by her side on 2/6/23. She will be greatly missed by all that loved and knew her.

A funeral service for Betty will be held Friday, February 17, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 7777 West 29th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, followed by a committal at Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery.