June 2, 1930 - April 3, 2020
Betty Lou Hye passed away on April 3, 2020 at the age of 89 years old after a brief
illness. She was born Betty Lou Wolken in New Underwood, South Dakota on June 2,
1930 and was raised on a ranch homesteaded by her father John and mother Ida. She
was the youngest child of a family of five children, two brothers and two sisters, now all
deceased. Her father and mother were both of German descent.
Betty grew up on the ranch near the little town of Box Elder SD but later moved with her
parents into Rapid City where she graduated from Rapid City High School in 1947. She
later attended the University of South Dakota where she studied elementary education
and became a lifelong member of the Chi Omega sorority. In 1947 while a senior in
high school she met James Hye of Aberdeen South Dakota who was attending the
South Dakota School of Mines after returning home from serving overseas during
World War II. In 1951, Betty and Jim were married in the Methodist Church in Rapid
City. Jim and Betty dearly loved each other and were often referred to as “two peas in a
pod”. They loved to dance, golf, attend sporting events, travel and play bridge. In 1963
they moved to Colorado Springs with their three sons Robert, Richard, and Steven
where Jim worked with the Army Corps of Engineers on many military projects in the
Colorado Springs area. While her sons were being raised Betty was a homemaker.
A resident on the west side of Colorado Springs since 1963 Betty was an active
member in the community. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church for
over 50 years. She received a degree in education from the University of Colorado at
Colorado Springs and was a full-time or substitute elementary school teacher. For a
time she taught at Howbert Elementary School where all of her sons had attended. She
liked to golf, play bridge, swim, visit with friends and help others. For those who knew
her well, she always delighted in a sweet treat after meals.
Betty was beloved by her entire family and many friends. She is preceded in death by
her husband James Hye and sons Dr. Robert Hye and Steven Hye. She is survived by
her middle son Richard Stringer-Hye of Nashville Tennessee, his wife Suellen and sons
Samuel of New York City and Peter of Nashville. In addition she is survived by her two
daughters-in-law Sandra Heisterkamp and Kathy Krzeminski Hye, and five
granddaughters Abbey (Matt), Taylor, Taryn, Jordan (Nick) and Emma, all of San
Diego, California, as well as by a large extended family of nieces and nephews. She
will be missed dearly by everyone who will remember her charity, kindness and sweet
smile.
Due to circumstances at this time a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu
of flowers, contributions in Betty’s memory may be made to First United Methodist
Church Memorials. 420 N Nevada Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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