Betty Jean Hertzler

Betty Jean Burk Hertzler died peacefully at her home in Thornton, Colorado on Monday, January 28, 2019. She was 93. Betty was born to Jay Van and Cleo Ethel Burk on December 31, 1925 at their family home in Torrington, Wyoming. She grew up in a loving family, including two older brothers, Keith and Max, a younger sister, Betha and a younger brother, Stan (Burc Lander). After graduating from Torrington High School, she attended the University of Colorado. During WWII, brothers Keith and Max served as pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Sadly, Max was killed in action, flying a mission over Austria. In addition to her brothers, Betty corresponded with numerous other service members stationed all over the world during the war, offering them support and encouragement through her letters. She was so dedicated to this task that her mother made her a special outfit to acknowledge her efforts. The grateful servicemen responded in kind with letters and mementos from the countries where they served. Betty married Glenn J. (Jack) Hertzler Jr. at the Methodist Church in Torrington on January 1, 1949 and moved to the Hertzler farm near Veteran, Wyoming. She and Jack had six children, five of whom she raised to adulthood. Sadly, their oldest daughter, Lynn Anne, lived only a few days. Although her time with Lynn Anne was brief, Betty often spoke fondly of that time, and the black curls on her baby's head. During her time on the farm, Betty was involved with the Methodist Church, Civil Air Patrol, square dancing, bowling, bridge club, county and state political organizations, all while keeping five farm kids from getting in too much mischief. Betty was a gifted writer and in addition to war correspondence, she authored a weekly column in the Torrington Telegram, and also entered every "jingle" writing contest she could find. The family moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1967, and Betty continued her most important and satisfying task -- rearing five growing children. She was a purveyor of hospitality, love and friendship. These qualities expressed themselves in her professional and civic endeavors, including operating a community welcoming service, serving areas of Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska. Betty earned her realtor's license and was affiliated with Better Homes and Gardens Realty in Cheyenne. In addition to volunteering for innumerable activities at her children's schools, she chaired the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Wyoming for several years. Betty moved to Denver, Colorado in 1998, where she joined her sons, Glenn and Joe in their aircraft maintenance tracking business. She retired and moved to Thornton, Colorado in 2003, where she lived for the past 16 years. Betty approached the challenges of life with strength through faith in the Lord, a persistent belief in positive outcomes always with an attitude of humility and grace. Throughout her life, Betty showed others how to live well and to love unconditionally. She shared a deep and abiding faith in God, and will be missed by all who knew her. But like a ship we watch disappear over the horizon and we say "There, she is gone.", there are other eyes on a distant heavenly shore gladly shouting "Here she comes!" Betty is survived by five children; Julie Anne Ovecka, Glenn J. Hertzler III (Carol), Jerold Max Hertzler (Terry), Jane Louise Williams (Bill) and Joseph Van Hertzler (Colette); ten grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Betha Jane Fowler and brother Burc Lander. She is preceded in death by daughter Lynn Anne Hertzler, brothers Marion Keith Burk and Darrell Max Burk. A memorial service is planned to celebrate Betty's life and legacy at 3:00 pm on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at Highlands United Methodist Church in Denver, Colorado (3131 Osceola St.). There will also be a service in Torrington, Wyoming at a later date, followed by the burial of her cremated remains at Valley View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Betts Vets Incorporated at P.O. Box 64, Marenisco, MI 49947 (www.bettsvets.org). Betts Vets is a foundation created to honor Betty, her brother Max, and all those who have served our country. It provides opportunities for U. S. Military Veterans to find renewed purpose and ease the trauma of war/conflict by continuing to serve through humanitarian efforts, helping rebuild war-torn and poverty-stricken communities around the globe.

Betty Jean Hertzler

December 31, 1925 - January 28, 2019