Betty Jean Chyko

Betty Jean Porco was born on September 16, 1934, the oldest of 5 children to Ralph Ruffino Angelo Porco and Jennie Elvira Chiaro Porco in Pueblo, Colorado. She was raised on a small farm and upon graduating from high school, Betty received a scholarship to Pueblo Junior College where she earned an Associates Degree. She began her career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation In January of 1961 and retired from there in June of 1994. In 1963 she met Richard Chyko in Denver, Colorado and they were married in August of 1967. In 1969 they purchased land in Estes Park and in 1973 on weekends began building their dream and future retirement home where they would live for more than 40 years.

Betty was a statuesque 5'8” tall and in her younger years was an exceptional athlete. She enjoyed playing softball and basketball and in the 1960s, she was the Colorado State Bowling champion and one of the first women to bowl a perfect score of 300. Betty was an exquisite cook, a meticulous housekeeper, loved to knit and crochet while watching the Colorado Rockies, enjoyed walking Lily and Sprague Lake and she could often be found walking the golf course on Sunday evenings while her husband spent time on the driving range or putting green. It was not uncommon for her to be up in the early hours of the morning and have 2-3 pies baked before beginning her workday.

She was a dedicated member of the Christian Women’s Club of Estes Park and the Altar and Rosary Society at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church. She will always be remembered for her quick-wittedness, great sense of humor and generous heart.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, beloved brother Raymond and husband of 50+ years, Richard. Betty will be missed by the numerous friends and contacts she made throughout her lifetime. Her only surviving family members are daughter Bonnie and beloved granddaughter Olivia.

Services will be held at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Loveland on Tuesday, September 26th. Vigil/Prayer Service is at 10:00am, Mass of Christian Burial 11am-12pm. Burial to follow in Fort Logan National Cemetery at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Banner Hospice of Northern Colorado, the American Breast Cancer Foundation, the American Diabetes Association and the American Cancer Society.