Betty Louise Van Welden

Betty L. Van Welden

Betty Louise (Strayer) Van Welden, 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 23, 2012, surrounded by family and friends.  Born in Atchison, Kansas on June 23, 1919, she was the daughter of William J. and Lola M. Strayer.  Betty graduated from Atchison High School, and attended the Atchison Business School.  She was an executive secretary throughout her working career, in which she took great pride.

Betty eloped to marry the late Carl Van Welden of Atchison on June 12, 1940.  The Van Weldens were stationed with the army in Denver during World War II and fell in love with Colorado.  They moved from Atchison to Denver permanently in 1954, but with strong family ties in Atchison, they returned there for regular visits.

Faith, family, and friends were the driving forces of Betty’s life.  She was a life long member of the Disciples of Christ Church, which provided her with strength and solace.  A fun loving and gregarious person, she treasured her many friends. Betty and Carl both enjoyed spending their free time in the mountains with their family and friends.  They were also avid bridge players and played in the same bridge group for more than 40 years.  Later in life, they had the pleasure of traveling with friends in the United States and abroad.

Betty is survived by her son, Carl, Jr. (Buzz) and wife Sally of Centennial, Co., daughter, Karen and husband Jack Herman of Andover, Massachusetts, one granddaughter, Amanda and husband, Bill Sullivan of North Andover, Massachusetts, three great grandchildren, Ryan, Kenna, and Emily Sullivan, dear friends, Gwen and Lou Weiner and their daughter Wendy Cameron, of Denver and beloved extended family.

The memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 11 AM at Good Sheperd Episcopal Church, 8545 E. Dry Creek Rd, Centennial, Colorado.  A graveside internment service will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2012, at 11 AM in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Atchison, Kansas.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Halcyon Hospice Kingfisher Foundation, 209 Main Street, Mead, CO. 80542