Betty Jean Baal

April 9, 1933 - May 9, 2021

Betty Jean Baal passed away at the age of 88 at her residence in Boulder, Colorado on May 9, 2021 from complications following surgery. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 21st at the Mountain View United Methodist Church in Boulder, Colorado at eleven in the morning.

Betty was born on April 9, 1933 in Lowden, Iowa to Dietrich and Marie Boedeker. She grew up on the family farm with her six older brothers. In pursuing her dream of becoming a registered nurse, she attended the St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Moving to Colorado, she finished her nursing degree at the University of Colorado. The next step in her life was working for United Airlines as a flight attendant. After meeting her future husband at a church event, she married Alvin F. Baal, III on June 29, 1961 in Lowden, Iowa. Broomfield, Colorado was their home for 52 years. This is where the couple raised their two girls. She served the community as a school nurse for many years working for the Boulder County Health Department. Her schools included schools in Broomfield and Louisville .Betty lost her husband on February 15, 2013.

She enjoyed her final couple years residing at Frasier Meadows Retirement Community in Boulder, Colorado. Betty thoroughly enjoyed living close to so many of her friends and the active social life it provided. To her final days, Tuesday bingo was by far her favorite event. She also worked out, did yoga, sat on committees, and participated in the Solos dinner groups. The close proximity to her church, Mountain View United Methodist, was an added bonus.

Faith was extremely important to Betty. Through the years, she participated in many committees and boards within the church. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women, serving in a variety of roles within the organization at different times in her life. An avid reader, her church book group was always one of her favorite pastimes. She took time with God each day to read the Bible, devotionals, and journal.

In keeping with her faith, helping others was just part of who she was. Beyond being a nurse, she actively looked to serve others. Following her retirement, she spent many years working with Voices for Children as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). Before moving to Boulder, she also volunteered as a foster mom for the Good Dog Rescue.

Betty lived an active lifestyle. She was an active member of the T.T.T. sorority throughout her life. Her daughters’ love of gardening and travel come from their mother. She traveled extensively throughout the world. Her favorite trips were her trips to the Scandinavian countries and her two trips to Australia.

Mother was by far the job she took most seriously. She chose to stay home with her girls until the youngest was in third grade to insure a solid foundation for them both. At all times, Betty provided her girls with a stable home filled with love. She remained close to her girls throughout her life, being there for them in every situation and in every moment.

One of her greatest joys in her life was her grandson, Sergeant Mark Brod Weinstein. She took tremendous pride in watching him excel at his longtime dream of becoming a Marine. Her faith was one of her strongest bonds with her grandson. They made a mark on each other’s life that no one else ever could.

Her ability to see the positive side of every situation and every person will be the legacy she leaves behind, challenging each of us to do the same.

Survivors include:her daughters Jennifer Baal of Broomfield, Colorado, and Cheryl Weinstein of Wiggins, Colorado; grandchildren Cassidi, Austin, and Mark Brod.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers: Paul, Chris, Henry, Rich, Don, and Norman.

Memorial gifts can be made in her name to Boulder Voices for Children, where she served as a CASA.