Betty Jean Hope

Betty Jean Hope passed away peacefully on November 4, 2024. She was 96. Betty was born to Avis and George Peterson on October 22, 1928 in Kane, Pennsylvania. Her first marriage was to Ransford Shelley with whom she had 4 children: David (Judy), Deborah (Gus), Dana (Linda) and Dikki (George). They lived in Eldred, Pennsylvania before moving to Colorado in 1955.

Betty was a homemaker until she went to work for Sundstrand Corporation where she worked for over 30 years. She spent many busy years as a switchboard operator and worked her way up to the head of Human Resources. She did all the employee hiring for Sundstrand plants located in Denver, York, Nebraska and Grand Junction, Colorado. She was outgoing and had a special gift for being able to connect with people.

She bowled in the Sundstrand Recreation League and later took up golf, cross country skiing and even did a little line dancing. She was active in all of her kid’s activities including baseball, swimming and diving, ballet and gymnastics. She sewed many of the girl’s ballet costumes. Betty volunteered on the City of Westminster’s Planning Commission where she reviewed future plans and offered opinions to the city. When she wasn’t working, bowling, playing golf, attending all the kids’ activities and contributing to the city, she enjoyed playing bridge. She always had a project or was busy learning a new craft. Church was in important part of Betty’s life. She was member of the Westminster Methodist Church before transferring to the Presbyterian Church in Westminster. She later became a member of Trinity Presbyterian in Arvada.

Later in life, and years after divorce, she met Bernie Hope – the love of her life. Bernie and Betty enjoyed a long and happy marriage. She and Bernie enjoyed a fabulous retirement. They relocated to Florida where they made many good friends and lived an active lifestyle playing golf and tennis. She and Bernie established the Bernie Hope Annual Tennis Tournament in the community where they lived. They were avid travelers and enjoyed exploring the world together. Due to Bernie’s health, they moved back to Colorado. Betty was again active by participating in a local Parkinson’s support group, attending monthly get-togethers and even went on a Parkinson’s cruise. After Bernie passed away, she continued playing bridge with good friends and took up the hobby of making greeting cards. A Birthday, Get Well or Thinking of You card, handmade by Betty, became treasured keepsakes. Visitors were always warmly greeted with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and an invitation to help with the current jigsaw puzzle and share good conversation.