Surrounded by those that loved her, Betty J. Hutchinson passed away Nov. 22, 2017, at Parker, Colo. Adventist Hospital, after a long and courageous battle with a rare lung disease. A private ceremony of close family members will be held to mourn her passing and celebrate her incredible spirit and breathtaking goodness.

Betty was born Oct. 19, 1951, in Decorah, the daughter of Julian and Bernice (Thorson) Grinna. After graduating from Decorah High School in 1969, where she was active in cheerleading and band, she continued her education at Northeast Iowa Community College, completing requirements to qualify as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). In 1991, she completed studies from NYU that qualified her as a registered nurse (RN). Betty’s 45 years in nursing allowed her to and travel to many parts of the United States, where she was always empathic and dedicated to helping innumerable patients with her care giving.

She married Richard Hutchinson July 3, 1971, at Decorah Lutheran Church in a midday service. Their marriage was blessed with one daughter and two grandchildren. While active in many things, Betty especially enjoyed flowers, gardening and rooting for the Denver Broncos and University of Colorado Buffaloes football teams. However, her greatest joy was spending time with her two granddaughters.

Betty is survived by her husband, Richard; her daughter, Korrin (Matt) Seavey of Aurora, Colo.; her two granddaughters, Hadley and Maclaine; and her brother, Tom (Cheryl) of Redmond, Wash.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents.