Betty Eileen Pettinger

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. Her sense of humor and ability to laugh at herself made family gatherings and times together extra special. She died the way she lived... peacefully, kindly, privately and filled with faith. Our grief is beyond measure but our hope in being with her again someday in heaven carries us forward.

We are so grateful for the outpouring of love, acts of service, kind words and prayers as we grieve. We have one additional request; if mom made a quilt for you or one of yours, please take a picture of it along with some information about it. ie date, name of who it was made for, and event or story that goes with it. If you could, please post it here in the Guestbook section AND send it to Mary Carroll for inclusion in the memorial slide show. Mary’s e:mail address is … marypcarroll@gmail.com

The Service will be held at Queen of Peace Parish Catholic Church located at 13120 E Kentucky Ave, Aurora CO 80012 on Friday November 22, 2019 at 10:00 am where they will also accept cards and flowers for mom. Immediately following the funeral we will gather in Queen of Peace’s reception area to enjoy photos, laughter, food, family and friends. A Rosary Service will be held in her honor at ""Horan & McConaty"" located at 11150 East Dartmouth Avenue, Aurora Colorado 80014 on Thursday November 21, 2019 at 7:00 pm. Betty's final resting place will be with her parents and siblings in Atlantic, Iowa. Details regarding her Interment will be provided at a later date.

Please make donations in Memory of Betty E. Pettinger to Catholic Charities at the following link:

https://support.crs.org/donate/help-where-its-needed-most?gclid=CjwKCAjw0vTtBRBREiwA3URt7rl_5P5i-PNx53oE4IASYnIyfjlZMzNBwu0L6jpazHLQaa9kdRc1hRoC2OIQAvD_BwE

 

Rosary: November 21, 2019 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Horan & McConaty - SE Denver/Aurora
11150 E. Dartmouth Ave.
Aurora, CO 80014

Funeral Mass: November 22, 2019 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Queen of Peace Catholic Church
13120 E. Kentucky Avenue
Aurora , CO 80012

Reception: November 22, 2019 11:00 am

Queen of Peace Catholic Church
13120 E. Kentucky Avenue
Aurora , CO 80012