Betty Jean Sellers Janke of Denver, Colorado was called to her heavenly home on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at age 84. She was born on August 13, 1935 in Houston, Texas to John Henry Floyd and Minnie Lee (Mascheck) Sellers. Betty grew up in Houston, where she attended Immanuel Lutheran Church and School from 1939 – 1949. She was Salutatorian of her 8th grade graduating class. Betty remained at Immanuel for 9th grade, and was baptized and confirmed that year. Betty and many of her classmates went on to become the first graduating class at the new Lutheran High School in Houston. Her music teacher for choir, organ and piano was Robert Dosien, who later came to Denver Lutheran High school and was also music director for Redeemer Lutheran Church. Betty graduated as the Salutatorian of her high school class in 1952.
Betty began her first two years of college at the University of Houston, where she received an Associate of Arts Degree in music. She transferred to Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree.
She answered a call from St. John’s Lutheran School in Libby, Montana, where she taught grades 1-3, was church organist, choir director, Sunday School teacher and Youth Leader. Betty enjoyed four years teaching in Libby, in awe of the majestic mountains.
In 1960, Betty received a call from Redeemer Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado, joining her former high school music teacher in service to the church and school. She taught grades 1 and 2, directed Junior and Senior choirs, taught Sunday School, and played the organ. At a Lutheran Singles Fellowship Retreat at Singing River Ranch, Betty met the love of her life, Howard Janke (on the other end of a teeter totter). They were married in Houston, Texas, on July 13, 1962. Shortly after that, Betty gave up her classroom job to be at home with her new daughter, Gwendolyn. The family was soon blessed with two more daughters, Tamara and Lora. Betty continued to serve the Lord through music by directing the Sr. choir and playing the organ at Redeemer Church.
At the same time, Betty studied at the University of Texas, Austin, for several summers, earning a Master of Music Degree in 1966. She was appointed Director of Music at Redeemer and for many years gave piano lessons to over 20 students. In 1974, Dr. Norman Brinkman, Principal of Denver Lutheran High School, persuaded Betty to return to full-time work directing the school’s choirs and teaching Sophomore Bible. With the Lord’s help, Betty took the leap from grade school to high school education, inspiring and influencing hundreds of students through her music, and her faith and devotion to Christ. She directed state competition winning choirs, co-directed musicals, and organized and executed numerous tours with her beloved Howie and her 60-plus student concert choir. She was also chosen to lead an All-Colorado State Student Choir European tour. In 1990 Betty was honored with the Rocky Mountain District Teacher of the Year award. After 16 years at Lutheran High School, Betty retired from teaching to begin a new career in the business world, working as a systems coordinator for a private real estate broker.
In 2000, Betty and Howard experienced the joy of their first granddaughter, Ada Martin, daughter of Tom and Lora Martin. In 2001 their first grandson, Adam Ballou, was born to Bruce and Tamara Ballou. Betty was devastated when her cherished husband, Howard, was called home to heaven that year, after 39 wonderful years of marriage. She never remarried. In 2003, Betty was blessed by another grandson, Mason Ballou. She enjoyed numerous trips to Charleston, South Carolina; Salem, Oregon; and Sonora, California, visiting her daughters, their husbands, and her grandchildren. Betty continued as Music Director for Redeemer Lutheran Church and also played organ at Hosanna Lutheran Church for the Saturday night service. She was still playing the organ at age 83 in June of 2019, dedicating 64 years of service at Redeemer. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 17, 2019, waking in the arms of her Savior in heaven to continue praising her Lord with song. She is survived by daughters Gwendolyn Ruth Eaton, Tamara Lee Ballou, and Lora Anne Stalnaker (John), and grandchildren Ada, Adam and Mason. Betty’s life is celebrated with her family and an uncountable multitude of friends. She was well-respected and much loved by the people whose lives she touched, and has left her mark in the Lutheran community. She will be truly missed.
Viewing will be held 4-7pm Monday 10/21, at Olinger Crown Hill (W 29th Ave. and Wadsworth).
Service 10am Tuesday 10/22, at Redeemer Lutheran Church (3300 W Nevada Pl.) followed by luncheon. Private burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery.
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