Betty Ann Lutz Morse

by Deb Moorland
(Glade Park, CO)

Betty Ann (Lutz) Morse April 27, 1929 - July 18, 2009 Local historian and Colorado pioneer, Betty Ann (Lutz) Morse, died July 18, 2009 after a long battle with cancer.

Betty Ann was born in Grand Junction on April 27, 1929 to Mary and John Lutz. The Lutz family came to the Grand Valley in 1895 and were pioneering homesteaders on Glade Park. Mary and John raised six girls who remained close throughout their entire lives and all were noted as hardworking and incredibly strong women. Betty Ann graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1947. She married Sgt. Robert Russel Mills on June 15, 1947; he died in service to his country on September 15, 1950. To this union one daughter, Joann Mills was born. She survives. Betty Ann then married William L. Morse in 1953, and together they raised three children in the Grand Junction area. This 56 year union produced a loving family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, all who cherished Betty Ann greatly.

Betty Ann was instrumental in registering the Coates Creek School House as a National Historic Site and the founding of the Coates Creek School Restoration Project. She archived volumes of early history and valuable information on the Glade Park and Grand Junction areas during the pioneering years. She was an avid gardener - her garden was noted as a local point of interest.

Betty Ann is survived by her loving husband, William; her children, Joann Mills, Tim Morse and Nancy Morse; two sisters, Rose Pattee and Theo Mills; two grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Betty Ann's life touched many people and she will be greatly missed.

A memorial service to celebrate Betty Ann's life will be held Saturday, July 25 at 10:00 a.m. at the Callahan-Edfast Mortuary chapel with Reverend John Foreman officiating. Private burial was held in Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 3090 B North 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81506.

Daily Sentinel Obituary