Betty Ruth Hogan

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing into Heaven of our loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother Betty Ruth Ashley Hogan. Betty passed at the age of 94 at Water Valley Memory Care in Windsor, Colorado on February 13, 2023.

Betty was born on March 12, 1928 in Pueblo, Colorado to Loy and Mattie Ashley. Betty, her parents, and brothers Dwaine and Wilbur remained in Pueblo except for a few years in Arkansas and Iowa after Loy lost his steel mill job due to the depression. The Ashley family happily returned to Pueblo when the mill called Loy back to work in 1935.

Betty attended school in Arkansas, Iowa, and Pueblo, Colorado, graduating from Central High School. She began piano lessons at the age of nine, and while in high school she was selected to perform at Mackey Auditorium at The University of Colorado. Betty thoroughly enjoyed growing up with two brothers and loved playing with all the neighborhood kids. After graduation she worked for a year in a photo studio to save money for college prior to attending Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kansas. It was there she met Ken Hogan, a dashing fellow student who stole her heart. They were married on December 21, 1948 in Pueblo, Colorado. Betty was employed as a social worker while Ken completed his degree. She supported Ken’s education career in elementary school and colleges making homes and friends in Estes Park, Lamar, Pueblo, and Greeley. She was known for her kindness, service and love. Daughter Marla was born while Ken and Betty lived in Estes Park. Delaine and Cindy were born in Pueblo. Betty enjoyed motherhood and marriage, excelling at both. In the summer of 1957, the family moved to Greeley, Colorado where Ken began a teaching and administration career of twenty-six years at Colorado State College of Education, now the University of Northern Colorado. Betty kept busy being a room mother, sewing clothing for her daughters, and teaching Bible School. Betty also found joy in working at bookstores at UNC and Aims Community College. She enjoyed interacting with coworkers and students. Wherever life took her, Betty served in church, excelled at raising three daughters, gave book reviews and ministered to elderly friends. One of her favorite activities was being the church librarian in Loveland. Ken and Betty retired in Loveland, making it their home base with time spent at their Estes Park cabin and traveling the United States. A highlight of retirement was a trip to Hawaii.

Betty is survived by daughters Marla Worley (Rick) of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Delaine Holdeman (Tim) of Loveland, Colorado, and Cindy Hogan (Liz Julin) of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren Amy Schick (James), Sarah Gross (Josh), Ryan Holdeman, and Andrew Holdeman (Elly). Great grandchildren Owen Gross, Hannah Schick, Colton Schick, and Madison Whorten also survive her. Betty loved them all and hosted the sweetest tea parties. Betty is also survived by several nieces and nephews and other extended family.

Preceding Betty in death was Kenneth Hogan, her loving husband of 49 years. Betty was also preceded by parents Loy and Mattie Ashley and brothers Dwaine Parker and Wilbur Ashley.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on February 27, 2023 at Allnutt Funeral Service – Hunter Chapel at 2100 N. Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, CO.

Betty’s family wishes to thank the gracious and loving people of Good Samaritan Water Valley Memory Care who cared for her when life became difficult. Donations may be sent to Delaine Holdeman, 6264 Oakwood Court, Loveland, CO 80538. Please make checks payable to Delaine Holdeman and write Betty Hogan on the memo line. The family is in the process of establishing a fund at Water Valley in honor of Mom. Thank you for your kindness.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.allnuttloveland.com for the Hogan family.