Nov. 16, 1935-Oct. 11, 2023

Betty L. Kretschman, 87, of Grand Junction passed away Oct. 11, 2023, at the HopeWest Care Center.

Betty enjoyed a life of strong, long-lasting friendships and deep devotion to family.

Betty was born Nov. 16, 1935, in Silverton to John and Jewel Connors. She grew up in Ouray, attending Ouray schools and graduating from Ouray High School in 1954. In school, she participated in band, chorus, and yearbook, and she was on the cheerleading team. She spoke frequently about working at the local soda fountain, a job she enjoyed because the fountain was a social center for her friends. She briefly moved to Denver to work as a telephone operator but missed home and soon returned to Ouray.

Betty met a tall, handsome auto mechanic from Montrose, Bob Kretschman, and the family story goes that, when Betty learned Bob was coming up to Ouray to visit the soda fountain and ask her out for the first time, she got nervous and tried to sneak out the back door and down the alley. However, somebody tipped off Bob, and he was behind the store, waiting for her.

Betty and Bob married in 1956. Not long after their marriage, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army. Upon his return from the service, they moved to Grand Junction.

Betty and Bob had two sons – Robert and Brian. Betty was a stay-at-home mom, keeping a warm, welcoming home and making sure her sons stayed busy with chores and school homework. She was a loving and supportive mom to her boys and often extended hospitality to their friends, who were always welcome for lunch or dinner. She assisted with her sons’ school activities, Cub Scouts, Little League, and other pursuits. As a grandmother, she cared for her grandchildren, John and Jenna Kretschman, after school for many years.

She and Bob enjoyed participating in a bowling league with friends.

Betty enjoyed the outdoors, especially summer and fall picnics in the mountains. She did, however, maintain a powerful aversion to snow, which she attributed to growing up in the deep snows of Ouray.

Betty is survived by sons Robert J. and Brian (Shawna Wells) Kretschman of Grand Junction, and grandchildren John and Jenna (Logan Wagner) Kretschman of Grand Junction.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents; and brothers Ronald and David.

A remembrance service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20, at Callahan-Edfast, 2515 Patterson Road, Grand Junction. Burial will take place afterward at the Orchard Mesa Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Roice-Hurst Humane Society, P.O. Box 4040, Grand Junction, CO 81502.