Betty Jane

Betty Jane McCutcheon passed away December 2, 2025, at the age of 102 ½.

As a centurion Betty Jane lived a full life and saw an incredible change in our world during her lifetime.

Betty Jane was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and grew up in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the beloved daughter of Ira and Elizabeth Hollaway. She pursued her education at The Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and soon began her teaching career. For one year, she taught ten different grades in a one-room schoolhouse in Otho, Iowa, followed by another year of teaching in Ayrshire, Iowa.

Her passion for education led her to transfer to The Colorado Teachers College in Greeley, Colorado, where she completed her teaching degree. During a teacher shortage, Betty Jane was recruited to teach in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It was there, while attending a leather craft class one evening, that she met William R. McCutcheon. The two quickly fell in love and were soon married.

In 1954, Betty Jane and William moved to Peru, Indiana, to be closer to family, and where they started their own family. Eight years later, in 1962, they moved to Aurora, Colorado, where they raised their four children. Betty Jane often said her favorite role was being a full-time mother, though she continued to share her love of teaching and offered her talents as a substitute teacher.

Beyond the classroom, Betty Jane nurtured a lifelong love of archaeology. She volunteered at the Colorado Archaeology’s Bone Lab, where she dedicated more than 35 years to cataloging artifacts from ancient dig sites alongside fellow enthusiasts. Betty Jane remained active in her volunteer work until the age of 95, when she finally stepped away from her role. Her unwavering dedication and inquisitive spirit left an indelible impression on the community she served, inspiring others to appreciate and protect the treasures of the past. Her commitment and curiosity left a lasting mark.

Betty Jane’s life was defined by her unwavering devotion to family, her heartfelt love of teaching, and her enduring passion for discovery. Throughout her years, she cultivated deep connections with those closest to her, cherishing every moment spent nurturing and supporting her loved ones. Betty Jane’s legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the knowledge she shared, forever inspiring those who follow in her footsteps.

She is survived by her children, William McCutcheon Jr. “Mike”, Aurora, CO; James McCutcheon, Aurora, CO; Barbara Burkdoll and husband Martin, Albuquerque, NM; Mark McCutcheon and wife Gina (Michaud), Aurora, CO. Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren: Amanda Church (Burkdoll) and son Jesse Church, Lacie Burkdoll-Vukmaravich and husband Nicholas and daughter Lyla Gene. Mark and Gina’s children: Jason McCutcheon and son Austen and daughter Taylee, Phillip McCutcheon and wife Jessica (Tullis) and daughters Charlotte and Cosette, Thomas McCutcheon and wife Alexandria (Cordova) and daughter Emma-Lee and son Troy, Kimberley Torres (McCutcheon) and husband Bryan.

A Celebration of Life to honor Betty Jane will be held on December 11, 2025, at 11am at Horan & McConaty Funeral home at 3101 South Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227, followed by graveside service at Golden Cemetery, followed by lunch. Family and friends are invited to gather and pay their respects

Betty Jane (Mom & Grandma) will be deeply missed and forever remembered in our hearts.