Betty Ann McCaulley

A LIFE RICH IN LOVE. Betty Ann McCaulley lived a life filled with love, devotion and generosity. She passed away on April 2, 2018. She was 98 years old. Betty Ann embraced each day with optimism and love. Her unwavering faith and devotion to her extended family was her secret to long life. Born to James and Charlotte Gleason in **Walthill, Nebraska in 1919, she was the eldest of three (now diseased siblings), Mary, Jim and Peggy Ann. She attended and graduated from the University of Nebraska in Kearny, where she met and later married Raynold Tomes in 1942. Together, they had one child Patricia Tomes. Major Tomes, a WWII fighter pilot and Distinguished Fighting Cross recipient on the Marines. His plane, the Patricia Ann, was shot down over the Solomon Islands WWII in 1943. In 1946, she married WWII POW survivor, Wade B. McCaulley. Together they had 5 children: David McCaulley, Cynthia McCaulley- Vaught, Dennis McCaulley, John McCaulley, and Katherine McCaulley- Businger. After Wade passed away in 1980, Betty Ann became a single mother and sole provider for her family. She was passionate about early education and taught over 32 years in Denver School system. Her first teaching position was in grand Island in 1941. Later her family lived in Cheyenne, Wyoming where she worked at Health & Education department as a secretary, yet she never let her certificate expire. Betty held her last position as a teacher in Hulstrom Elementary in Northglenn, CO which lasted for 25 years before retiring. She had a life-long love of playing bridge and would often play in multiple bridge groups with her many friends. She loved to travel to places with lots of history both in the U.S. and Internationally. One highlight was Italy, where she had an audience with the Pope. Betty traveled her homeland of Ireland, France, Spain, Russia and many more. Her travels around the U.S. with friends were filled with curiosity - like discovering fresh Horseradish, witnessing the changing of seasons, visiting New York to see famous plays, seeing the Sand Dunes in Arizona, the Dead Sea and Dinosaur Park. A favorite was to experience many local Botanical Gardens across the United States. Accompanied by her devoted friends, she loved cross country skiing during the winter and hiking during the summer. She was also a fan of dancing with her dear friend, Bud at the Mally Center of Denver. Her music of choice was Big Band and the Old Crooner’s, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. The Gates of Heaven welcomed Betty Ann McCaulley who was a devoted Life-long Catholic at Denver’s Most Precious Blood and The Risen Christ Parish churches. While living a rich and full life, her proudest accomplishments were her family. Her legacy and life lessons will long be shared for generations to come. She is survived by 5 of her 6 children, 9 grandchildren: Vicki Mote-Bodwell/ Husband Brad, Eliot Mote, Lisa Humprey/ Husband Eric, Adam McCaulley/ Wife Stephanie, Catherine Vaught-Bischoff/ Husband Geoff, Jennifer Vaught, Deceased- Jennifer Durzo/ Husband Jorge, Jason Carter/ Wife Brianna, Adam Businger, Madison McCaulley, and Wade McCaulley. Additionally, she survived by 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. *Walthill NB is a village in Thurston County, Nebraska, United States, within the Omaha Reservation. Even today the population is less than 1000. In honor of Betty, a Memorial Service will be held 1:00PM, Saturday April 7, 2018 at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home (11150 E. Dartmouth Ave. Aurora, CO 80014). Please give your condolences to the McCaulley family.