Betty Jane Thorne

Betty (Long) is survived by her loving children, Donna J. (Spooner), Leighton D. and Randy J., brother Robert Long, 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband Dale O. Thorne, her father Harry C. Long and mother Jeanette (Shunk) and brother Jack.
Betty was born in Emporia Kansas and grew up in the neighboring small town of Lebo. She met her future husband Dale as a young child as the "boy on the block". Later they became high school sweethearts and were married on June 12, 1945. Her deep love for Dale was ever-present for 72 years. They were inseparable except for Dale's tour of duty defending our country. Betty kept every letter from Dale in a small wooden box he had made in high school, loving replaced in each carefully opened envelop. Dale passed last October and we all knew Betty would not be far behind.
In 1956 Betty and Dale moved her family to Fort Collins. Raising her kids, planting flowers, gardening and spending many weekends in the mountains were her passions. Betty was particularly fond of China Painting. She was an outstanding artist with her favorite subject…..flowers. Her house was filled with her work for all to admire. She also played tennis in college, played the accordion and would always catch more fish than anyone, rounding out her many talents.
One of Betty's greatest joys were her grand and great grandchildren. She spent many hours with all playing, holding, teaching and watching with a smile. Many weekends were spent in Poudre Canyon at their cabin with frequent visits from her kids with grandkids. Betty and Dale eventually moved to the cabin and spent some of the happiest years of their lives there.
Vacations were typically annual visits to Kansas in July and August to enjoy family, heat and humidity and lots of talking and eating. Later on, some of those vacations ended up in Mexico. On one occasion Betty became particularly fond of Jell-O tequila shots (she rarely drank) with the result of her leading the Conga line around Senior Frogs restaurant…….with kids and grandkids watching and laughing in amazement.
Love, commitment and integrity were Mom's lifelong values. We all feel her legacy in those deeply imbedded characteristics and may we never forget them going forward. The doctors say her heart gave out, but we all know her heart was broken when Dad passed. She longed for her lifelong love and is now back together with him forever.
Betty always ended her phone conversations with you with "Love you". And she made sure she got the last "Love you" in. We will always remember and feel that last "Love you" Mom. God Bless you Mom. We will always love and miss you!...........("LOVE YOU")
A private service will be held at a later date.