Betty Jean Fletcher was born December 1, 1928 in Kearney, NE to Walter Clifford Hayes and Ruby Mae Rogers. Betty Jean met her future husband, AJ Fletcher, at Akron High School. Their 70-year marriage began on April 18, 1948 in St. Francis, KS. During their courtship and early marriage, they loved cruising the countryside in their convertible, LulaBelle.

Betty Jean worked for Dr. Tedrick while raising two children, building the family farm and being an active member of the Akron community. Her many clubs included: Cowbells, Eastern Star, Washington Co. Cattle Women and Epsilon Sigma Alpha which awarded her the International Award for 60 Years of Dedicated Service. Central to her life was being a member of The United Methodist Church of Akron and singing in the choir.

Always up for an adventure, Betty Jean learned to paint, snow ski and even taught a grandkid or two how to drive (maybe a bit too fast). Her determination and strength carried her through life and even until the last few weeks she lived at home on the farm that she loved.

Betty Jean was preceded in death by her husband AJ Fletcher, son Cliff Fletcher, her sister Lou Hayes and brother Allan Hayes. She is survived by her daughter Connie (Denny) Powell; her grandchildren Debbie (Jared) Beam, Todd (Trina) Powell, Gage (Kaylie) Fletcher, Cole (Sydney) Fletcher and Jessi (Austin) Zerr.

Betty Jean's legacy lives on in her 12 great-grandchildren: Stephanie, Thomas, Teghan, Evan, Eli, Jacelyn, Lola, Greyson, Macie, Ava Jean, Frankie, and Rush.

Betty Jean created a life full of faith, family, friends and love.  She passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, in Brush, CO on February 7, 2024 at East Morgan County Hospital.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 16, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Bowin Funeral Home.  A private burial will be held prior to her funeral, which will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Akron.

Memorials can be made to the United Methodist Church of Akron.