AURORA | Betty Jean (Sparling) Luttkus, 93, of Aurora, Colorado passed away at an Aurora care facility on March 31, 2024.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Burns Memorial United Methodist Church in Aurora.
Betty was born April 29, 1930 in a sod house on the family homestead near Akron, Colorado to William and Stella (Patterson) Sparling, the youngest of 6 children.
After graduation from Akron High School, she received her Registered Nursing degree from Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Denver. She worked at the Akron hospital until her marriage June 20, 1954 to George Luttkus who was serving in the US Army.
Betty and George had 4 children and lived at several Army posts, eventually moving to Aurora, Colorado in 1963 where they raised their family and lived up until their respective deaths. Betty worked as a nurse until age 80, with over 40 years in nursing homes.
In her 60s, Betty attended Clown College, and as Jelly Bean was a member of the Jolly Joeys performing in parades, hospitals, nursing homes and other events.
Betty was a Room Mother, Cub Scout Leader, Girl Scout volunteer, and after George’s death, became an active member, chapter officer, and national board member of The Society of Military Widows. In 2005 she was named one of the City of Aurora’s Women of Distinction.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings and their spouses.
Betty is survived by her children Gregory (Patricia) Luttkus, Jeffery Luttkus, Rebecca Ross, Sandra Luttkus (Robert Sharkey); 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Betty donated herself to the Colorado Anatomical Society and will be buried with George at Fort Logan National Cemetery at a later date.