Betty Josephine Rippe passed away in Denver, Colo., on Dec. 10, 2023, at the age of 87.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Brenda Rippe-Venter and son, Kelly Rippe both of Monte Vista, Colo.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lester Henry Rippe, parents Joseph and Rose Dorigatti and sister Eda Petrie.

Betty was born on April 14, 1936, in Denver, Colo., to Joseph and Rose Dorigatti. She graduated from North High School in 1954.

Following high school, Betty worked in administration at Public Service and at Fort Logan Mental Health Hospital as a technician in Denver. Betty married Lester Henry Rippe on Sept. 10, 1960, and eventually moved from Denver to the San Luis Valley in 1966 where they fulfilled their dream of farming and ranching on a small farm and ranch near Monte Vista. 

Betty was very passionate about all animals on the ranch, especially horses, dogs, and birds. Betty raised award-winning show collies and loved spending time raising canaries. Betty was talented in oil painting and was also skilled at refinishing antique furniture in her spare time. Betty enjoyed the outdoors immensely as she loved hunting and fishing, often with her son and daughter who shared the same passion.

Betty and Lester were very devoted to their children, and they got their children involved in the sport of rodeo early on supporting them as they competed across Colorado, and multiple other states earning scholarship money for school.

Betty will always be known as a very passionate, loving, caring, and hardworking soul who impressed many by her strength and drive.

A rosary and viewing for Betty are scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Parish located at 2190 S. Sheridan Blvd.in Denver, Colo. A funeral mass at Notre Dame Parish will take place on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by Rite of Committal at Mt. Olivet Cemetery located at 12801 W. 44th Ave. in Wheat Ridge, Colo.