Betty Jean Kleve

Betty Jean Kleve died on July 2, 2015 at the age of 89.

Betty Jean (Small) Kleve was born on February 17, 1926 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Marion C. and Ruth Small.  She played the flute and graduated from Fruita High School; class of 1943 then attended St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Denver, Colorado.

On April 10, 1947, she was united in marriage to Darwin Joseph Kleve at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Holyoke.  Betty and Darwin made their home on the family farm east of Holyoke.  To this union were born 3 daughters and one son:  Joanne, Janet, Gene and Judy.  Betty and Darwin shared 54 years together until Darwin’s passing in 2001.

Betty was very active in her church and community.  She was a charter member in Paragon Club, a 4-H club leader, FHA Chapter Mother, Altar and Rosary Society and helped prepare and serve numerous dinners for St. Patrick’s Church.

Betty is remembered as a great cook and homemaker by her family and friends.  She loved travel, reading, lots of card playing, and was a good listener and true friend to many.

Survivors include her children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, plus many dear friends and relatives.

The Rosary was held on Monday, July 6, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Holyoke, Colorado.  The Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father William Jungmann and Father Jim Heithoff officiating.  Interment followed at the Holyoke Cemetery in Holyoke, Colorado.  Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.