Betty Jane Burr

Betty Jane Burr Age 79, of Fort Collins, died of complications due to COVID-19 at UC Health Poudre Valley Hospital the morning of March 29th, 2020 in Fort Collins.

Born March 4th, 1941 in Columbus Kansas, Betty was the daughter of Homer Dobkins and Martha (McCormick) Dobkins.

Betty's family moved to Fort Collins in 1958. She graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1959 and then married Bill Burr and having their first son.

Shortly after becoming a Mom, she chose to quit working and become a full time Mom. For those who knew her taking care of others gave her great joy. For that reason, she was especially happy to be a full time Mom. Sign of lost times, with farm fresh milk and eggs growing up there was always fresh baked goods and smells of something cooking on the stove or in the oven. Add in a garden of fresh vegetables and canning. Meals made with all these items and love were a quality of life only those who have had similar experience would know.

As a Mom she was a great role model in compassion, honesty and hard work. She encouraged her kids to do anything and everything. Getting them involved in every sport and activity that you can imagine. She did her part in this which included for a short time being a Cub Scout mom, volunteering anywhere needed and making Halloween costumes every year no matter how crazy the request. As a Mom she said you never know what is going in each kid, so she wanted her children to try everything to help each of them find their path in life.

Even though she left Columbus when she was young she maintained a connection. For a number of summers, the family took trips to Kansas to stay with Aunt Annie and Uncle Fred on their farm. As kids we got to experience farm living and connecting with local cousins and creating lasting previous memories. It has been told to us recently that we are related to half of the town.

After her divorce she jumped into a working career with multiple jobs finally landing at Fine Print as a Bookkeeper and photocopy artist where she remained until she retired and moved back to Columbus to help her aging parents Martha and Homer Dobkins in 2001.

During her time back in Kansas Betty made a life for herself. She worked at the Auction Barn and Patricia's Accounting Service. In her spare time, between taking her mom Martha Dobkins, who passed away in February 2020, to the 1st Baptist Church in Crestline for Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon and Wednesday service. She enjoyed being outside working in the yard and flowers. A large passion of hers was the want to help unwanted cats. While there, with love and fondness, at her own expense she spayed/neutered over 30 feral cats. She tended to their medical needs while keeping them fed, rehoming as both barn cats, pets and keeping a few for herself.

She remained in Columbus as a care giver until 2016 and then returned to Colorado to be near her daughter and reconnect with both her sons. She took advantage of every moment with loved ones and friends until her recent passing.

Betty with her generous spirit wanted to try just about everything. She was joyful with a big heart that held room for everyone, family and friends. Small in stature but a might force of nature, twinkle in her eyes, hint of mischief in them and always smiling. She was proud of her kids and of herself and did not let any experience get her down.

Bold, independent, fearless, adventurous, creative and artistic. She loved cats, stained glass, quilting, painting in all mediums, gardening, being a seamstress for friends and being her own handy "woman". She could take a part just about anything and fix it herself.

In everything she tried she jumped in with eagerness and attacked it with such tenancy that it was joy to watch. She shared her compassion, talent and endless energy with all of those who crossed her path.

She loved spring, a time to plant flowers and nurture them. She would tell all of us to not look back but cultivate the connections and relationships that we have with each other and make the most out of every day. She had an image of a dove on her desk and a highlighted definition; "the dove represents peace of the deepest kind. It soothes and quiets our worried or troubled thoughts, enabling us to find renewal in the silence of the mind. The dove's role is as a spirit messenger, maternal symbol and liaison to impart an inner peace that helps us to go about our lives calmly and with purpose"

We know those of you who knew her will have your own special memories. She was loved dearly by many and will always have a special place in our hearts.

Survived by her children, Dan Burr (Fiancée Sue) Golden Valley, AZ, Ken Burr (Wife Cristie) San Jose, CA, Barb Huff (Husband Dana) Fort Collins, CO; Grandchildren, Danielle Cook (Jamie) Colorado, Emily Burr, California & Blake Burr, California; Siblings, Wayne Dobkins (Juanita) Columbus KS, Mary Lou Brauch, Cedaredge CO, Dave Dobkins, (Sue) Cortez CO and Margaret; friends, and others not named who shared many wonderful memories; Kitty, Randall.
Because of her love of cats in lieu of flowers, a donation in her honor can be made to the Animal Friends Alliance, https://www.savinganimalstoday.org/donate/ include in the comments field donation in memory of Betty J. Burr.