- Date Of Birth: October 15, 1935
- Date Of Death: October 29, 2019
- State: Colorado
Betty Eileen Pettinger, 84, of Aurora Colorado, passed away unexpectedly, yet very peacefully on Tuesday October 29, 2019 in her home.
She was born on October 15, 1935 to the late Ernest and Mae Steffens on their farm in Wiota, Iowa. She is preceded in death by all 4 of her siblings Donald Steffens, Mardelle Harris, Gail Steffens and Larry Steffens.
Betty’s life was devoted to her 6 children and their families; Patty West, Mary and (Les) Carroll, Susan and (Randy) Holcombe, Steven and (Cindy) Pettinger, Rita and (Peter) Reinhart, Scott and (Jessica) Pettinger, her 22 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren and their families. Her kindness, genuine care of others, generosity and quick laughter are a legacy treasured by all who love her.
She received her college diploma in her early 50’s and always loved learning new things. She traveled to Australia, Hawaii, the Caribbean and all over the United States including Alaska, but her favorite place to be was at home.
She was a master quilter (we have no idea what to do with all this fabric Mom!), an incredible baker, gardener, knitter of sweaters, mittens, baby blankets and literally hundreds of dish cloths. Quilts, fleece blankets and afghans lovingly crafted and donated by Betty warmed and comforted many infants in neonatal units though out the Denver metropolitan area. Her hands were rarely still. We will miss her hands and smile most of all. She loved living in Colorado with the change of the seasons, the mountains, the aspen trees… all while holding on to her Iowa farm roots.
Betty was a lover of her people. She lived in the moment; every moment of her life. She had all the time in the world for whoever was lucky enough to be in her presence. “Aunt Betty” was the favorite of dozens and dozens of nieces and nephews. Her love and care of infants and infinite patience with toddlers and young children was a skill we try to live up to.
