Betty Lou Keifer Hentze passed from this earthly life in Colorado Springs on July 10, 2020, at the age of 89. Yet, she lives on in the hearts, minds and memories of her family who will “love, love, love” her “always and forever.”
Betty leaves a loving family to hold her memories now: Sister Joyce Johns of Bellefontaine, nephew Greg and nieces Meloni and Kelly; brother Don Mowery of Florida; daughter Jill (Greg) Easton and son Mike (Barbara) Hentze of Colorado Springs, and daughter Joni (Gary) Bullock of Idaho; three granddaughters Christine, Heather and Nicole in Colorado, and two grandsons Kevin and Casey in Idaho.
Betty was born on July 1, 1931, to Herbert D. Keifer and Florence Glenola Riner Keifer, joining her brother Dick and sister Joyce at the family home in Lima. From her first breath as a premature newborn to her last breath in a memory care facility, Betty was a strong survivor. After surviving scarlet fever at seven years old, she spent her school years in Lima. Her paternal grandmother, “Mom” Keifer, was a beloved caregiver throughout her youth. She had a special love for Don Mowery, who joined the family in 1944 and became her lifelong brother.
Betty moved to Bellefontaine, in 1948 for her junior year of high school, graduating from BHS in the Class of 1950. She married Thomas John Hentze on Aug. 8, 1952. They raised three children in Bellefontaine: Jill (1954), Mike (1956), and Joni (1959). Betty was blessed to remain close to her sister Joyce and her two nieces and nephew throughout her life. She was an active member of the local Tourist Club and the Theta Circle of King’s Daughters. Starting in 1966, Betty worked in Purchasing at Rockwell International until the local manufacturing plant closed; she remembered her coworkers fondly for many years.
Betty moved to Colorado Springs in 1992, where she enjoyed living in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with Mike and Jill and their families. During her retirement years, she delighted in cheering for the Broncos and the Rockies, listening to live bluegrass music, and walking her beloved Millie and Boomer. Betty was an active member of Sunnyside Christian Church, where she often spent Sunday afternoons making sandwiches for homeless members of the community.
Gma treasured time with her three granddaughters and was very active in their lives, sharing many family trips and celebrations. She also enjoyed visiting her daughter Joni’s family on ranches in Montana and Idaho. Betty had a lifelong love of nature and animals as well as a deep appreciation of natural beauty. Her family will think of her lovingly whenever they see puffy white clouds in a blue sky, as she was a joyful cloud-watcher. Throughout the difficulties and struggles of her long life, Betty kept a kind, generous heart and a loving smile for others. She always waved goodbye with her arms extended, both hands forming the ASL sign for love. “Love, love, love… Always and forever.”