Betty Jane Rietz

Betty Jane Rietz, age 96, of Arvada, Colorado passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 24, 2021. Betty was born April 27, 1925 in Denver, Colorado. She lived in Colorado all her life except when she went to California at age 17 to work at Mar Island for the war effort.

Betty returned to Colorado and had several jobs, before marrying Albert Rietz in 1944. Albert and Betty were married for 43 years until Alberts passing in on September 25, 1987. Together they had three daughters Jane (Alfred), Jeanette, and Mary. When the children were born Betty became a wonderful stay at home wife and mother. She sewed most of her clothes starting in Jr. High School and made matching outfits for her daughters. She crocheted many tablecloths first with her mother in law, Mary Rietz, and on her own sometimes making up her own patterns for doilies and other things. She worked several years at Skinner Jr. High in the lunch room and everyone loved her pies. She was also very talented with needlework. Later in life she took up painting, and painted many pictures for her family and friends. She painted until about 6 months ago when her eyes finally failed. She loved to play Bingo and going to Blackhawk to play the slots with her sister in law Marie and also her friend Jean.

Betty was a member of Highlands Lutheran Church since 1953, and was the oldest member of the church until her recent passing. She made friends in the sewing and quilting groups that she had for many years after the groups stopped meeting.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Agnes and John Greenemeier, brother Donald Greenemeier, sisters Alice Studdard and Virginia Hedberg, son in law John Thomas Hamilton, grandson Michael Hamilton, and Sister in law Marie Richie. Nieces Karen Hedberg and Eileen Nelson, nephew Johnny Hedberg, David Hedberg, Donald Richie, and Von Studdard. She was also preceded in death by her great nephew Terry Joe Hall.

She is survived by daughters Jane Gonzales (Alfred), Jeanette Hamilton, Mary Keller, sister Joyce Smith, nieces Deniese, Roxanne, Barbara, Deborah, Brenda, Darlene, Sue, Kathy, and Carol. She is also survived by nephews Melvin, Fred, Terry, Ed and Bob. As well as grandchildren Kat, Chris Hamilton, Brian Keller, Brenda Smelter, Joel, Laurie Keller, and Bernadette. Great grand children Kaylee, Davian, Jaidyn, Braiya, Mya, and Alec. Cousins Kirk, David and friend Jean Craven.

Betty lived a long life sharing everything she had, her love, her knowledge of sewing and painting, cooking and family history. Betty loved flowers, she had flowers blooming in her garden from early spring to late fall, she especially loved her many kinds of roses. She was a very loving kind and patient person. Betty also loved her sweets, at the Christmas in July Party on July 24th she enjoyed her last root beer float. She will missed greatly by her family and friends.

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