Betty Jean Rainey, a longtime resident of Arvada, was born in 1929 in Oklahoma; she had to live with forever being blamed for the stock market crash and the miseries of the dust bowl. She was born to John C. Rainey and Ruth E. Rainey (Norton). A couple of years later, the Rainey’s packed up and moved up north to Glenrock, Wyoming. Mom was reared along with 2 older brothers, one younger brother plus five older sisters. All have predeceased her.

Mom went to school in Glenrock and graduated in 1947. After High School, she got a job as a switchboard operator at the phone company. Her favorite task was to blow the Glenrock Volunteer Fire Department’s whistle, should anyone call in to report a fire. She met and married a young and dashing blue eyed blond haired sailor, Harold L. Hansen, Sr. They were married for 66 years until his death at age 87 in 2013. She is with him now.

Right after they married, Betty and Harold moved across the country to Connecticut where he studied photography. The next stop was on the opposite coast where she lived in Washington State and became a mother in 1950. Eventually, mom and dad and baby moved back to Wyoming and settled in Casper, Wyoming. She was blessed with three more children for a total of two girls and two boys. We lived out in the country (the sticks) in a house (the Farm) designed and built by my father. She was rather like a pioneer woman because they moved into the house long before it was finished. While living in Casper, Betty belonged to the First Baptist Church, sang in the choir and attended Bible Studies.

In 1971 the Hansen family moved from Casper to Arvada where Betty lived until her final couple of years. Mom looked around for a new church and landed on her feet at Jefferson Avenue Methodist. She would often tell me that she would be absolutely lost without her faith in Jesus and her church. Much of her later activities centered on the church and various activities.

Other than her brief stint at Glenrock’s phone company, she worked as a legal secretary much of her life. She enjoyed being out in the work place and was skilled in her profession. Her contribution to the household centered on providing comforts such as nice furniture, clothes and music lessons and more. Her last profession was at Holland & Hart in downtown Denver.

Betty was an avid reader, her favorite author was Agatha Christie. She loved her murders. At one point, she took an interest in having dachshunds and they returned the love she gave to them. Mom enjoyed camping and traveling. She was no stranger to cooking over an open fire. For their 25th wedding anniversary, Betty and Harold took a 6 week trip to the South Pacific, island hopping until they arrived in Australia. Years later they enjoyed a trip to Europe. Wanting to see more of the US, Mom, Dad and their dogs hit the road for a number of winters and enjoyed weather more favorable for seniors.


She was keenly interested in music, whether playing or listening. She learned how to play the piano “by ear,” while growing up in a household filled with the sounds of numerous instruments. She also taught herself how to play the organ. As an adult, she wanted to learn how to play more “formally” and took piano lessons for a number of years. She learned how to read music, and she expanded her repertoire to include classical selections. Her favorite composer was Mozart. Her greatest musical achievement was to play the organ during church service at Jefferson Avenue Methodist Church. It was just one more way to give back, to be of service. Mom’s interest in music has been passed down to her children. What a fabulous gift.

She had 4 great kids: two boys and two girls. 3 Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren.

Betty lived a long and productive life. She loved and was loved. Well done Mom!