Betty Barker

Betty Barker March 2, 1948 – April 1, 2014 Born in Rockford, IL, March 2, 1948, Better Barker began her journey through life. Betty was adopted at a young age by Bert Olson and his wife Ramona Olson. Bert, a hard working man, raised his two children in a very disciplined way. It was from here that Betty learned much of her patience and work ethic. Betty, just after graduating high school, decided to explore the world. She left home with a couple girlfriends and traveled her way through the great cities of Europe. In one fine city she ordered a hamburger. The waiter, not understanding, brought her a plate of chopped up ham. Betty found humor in all the little things of life. Soon after returning from her whirlwind experience, Betty moved to Denver, CO. It was in Denver that Betty met her best friend and husband, Jim Barker. She spotted him across the room and said to her friend, ""that's the man I'm going to marry."" They began dating and five years later married on August 9, 1975. Betty's two greatest accomplishments were her children. Jake was born on May 7, 1979 followed by Nicole on June 14, 1982. They were her pride and joy every day of her life, even on the hard days. Betty worked at Safeway from August 1969 to March 2013. She began work in the corporate office as a typist, became a secretary and when the corporate office moved to Arizona, she started working in the stores. She was incredibly dedicated and hard working until her retirement. On April 1, 2014 Betty passed away at age 66. Betty will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She was gentle, kind, giving, patient, unselfish, silly, soft spoken, stubborn, gracious, loyal and loving. She is survived by her brother Rick Olson and his wife Joyce; her son Jake and his wife Ericka; her daughter Nicole; and her brother-in-law Richard and his wife Calae. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV) Celebration of Life will be Saturday, April 12, 2014, 11:00 AM, at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada. Please share memories of Betty and condolences with her family by signing the guestbook below.