Betty Dene Simcoe

Betty Dene Collins Simcoe passed peacefully from this world on July 23, 2018, with her son, Stephen, by her side. She was 91.

Betty was born in Bloomington, Illinois and spent much of her youth, alongside siblings on her grandparent's farm or at her father's "four corners" gas station. She loved the country and was a Midwest girl through and through.

In 1948, she graduated from Illinois Wesleyan with a B.S. in Nursing. It was there that she met her love, Kenneth Ray Simcoe. They were married June 10, 1949 and after graduation lived in Chicago, and Kansas City. Still following Kenneth's career, they moved again and settled into a steady family life in Grinnell, Iowa. She was happiest in Grinnell, supporting Kenneth's career at Grinnell College or attending church. The arts were important to her, as was social decorum.

In 1968, another move took the family to Sarasota, Florida where sadly in 1980 she was widowed. In 1982 she re-located to Fort Collins, Colorado to be closer to three of her children as she aged. Betty continued her nursing career (off and on) throughout all the moves, changes of life and the raising of six children. In Colorado, she finally retired and was able to enjoy life a bit! She often commented on the beautiful view of Horsetooth Mountain, as seen from her bedroom window.

Mom was more than our mother – she was a domestic goddess – a household wizard, chauffeur, seamstress – often staying up late to sew our clothes or to make the holidays more special. Hard work never scared her. She was a self-taught piano player and at Christmas would gather us around the piano to sing Christmas carols. The maker of fantastic fudge and awesome lemon meringue pie, Mom was a great cook and baker. Sunday dinners were delicious and plentiful.

She worked tirelessly to support her children, but often (not always) was more of a silent, self-sacrificing warrior whom was always there loving the individual and independent children that were raised under one roof. She ran a tight ship but was also a mean Zioncheck and rummy player with a wonderful sense of humor. She dearly loved any times she shared with her family.

She paid attention to the details of life and those of her children and grandchildren. Often taking careful notes to remember for later conversations, her own childhood legacy remains in the handwritten stories sent to her grandchildren through the years.

As adults, she rarely interfered, judged or offered advice unless it was solicited.

Thank you, mom, for being such a strong example and role model, a loving and caring and gentle spirit. Your love and perseverance made us all better people.

We miss you.


Betty is survived by her children, Diana Simcoe of Wellington, Richard Simcoe (Lynda) of Greenville, PA, Marla Kallas of Lincoln, NE, Leslie Driscoll (Dan) of Sarasota, FL, Sara Whicker of Fort Collins, and Stephen Simcoe of Fort Collins; grandchildren, Erica Simcoe Bonner (Mike), Scott Simcoe (Tamie), Tes Simcoe Pellegrino (Frank), Kari Kinsman Queen, Vanessa Kinsman Wagner, and Dane Whicker; great grandchildren, Ashlyn Bonner, Kaleigh Simcoe Reimold (Shamus), Krista Simcoe, Scott Simcoe Thomas Pellegrino, Natalie Pellegrino, Anthony Pellegrino, Sean Nance, Eric Wagner, and Ella Queen; great great grandchildren, Ella Reimold and Reese Reimold. Extended family members, Karen Huber (Denny), Carol Cable (Tony), David Collins (Rose), Janice Burch, Lori Craig (Steve), Nita Kwitkowski (Pete), Kyle King (Jim), and Kimberly Marlow.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Inez Collins; siblings, Joyce Miller, Robert Collins, and Patricia Marlow.

Betty's family would like to thank the caring staff and administrators at Good Samaritan Society, Fort Collins; and the professional and dedicated staff of Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pathways Hospice, 305 Carpenter Road, Fort Collins, CO 80525.