Betty Jean Lanckriet

Betty Jean Lanckriet, 90, of LaSalle, Colorado, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Betty was born on February 2, 1936, in Victoria, Kansas, to Wendelin “Wennie” and Valeria (Scheck) Sanders. As a young child, she moved with her family to Iliff, Colorado, where her father worked in agriculture. They later relocated to Sterling, where Betty attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School through the sixth grade. She then moved to Julesburg to live with her mother, graduating from Julesburg High School with the Class of 1954.

From an early age, Betty developed a strong work ethic. During high school, she worked at the local dime store and assisted her mother at her café, The Chicken Hut. Following graduation, she attended Central Business College in Denver, completing her program in one year. She then returned to Julesburg to help her mother operate the Lincoln Café & Lounge. From 1955 to 1958, Betty also served as a front desk receptionist for Dr. Lundgren.

On February 23, 1957, Betty married Leo Lanckriet, and to this union, three children were born. In 1972, the family relocated to Holyoke, where Betty worked in the banking/insurance business. In 1991, she moved to Greeley, Colorado. Sadly, her husband Leo passed away in February 1997.

While living in Greeley, Betty served as an office manager for a local attorney—a position she dedicated herself to until her retirement at the age of 84.

Betty was a vibrant woman who stayed active and sharp throughout her life. She enjoyed playing Pogo games on her computer, solving daily crossword puzzles, and reading on her iPad. She cherished her weekly trips to Eaton to play bridge with the "Bridge Ladies," and her family trips to Las Vegas were a definitive highlight of her life.

Above all, her family was her rock and meant the world to her. Known for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, Betty had a rare gift for making friends with anyone she met. She will be deeply missed, endlessly loved, and never forgotten.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; her son, Gregory; her father, Wendelin “Wennie” Sanders; her sister, Rosie Comer; her mother, Valeria Dunn; and her stepfather, Jerry Dunn.

She is survived by her daughter, Kim (Ken) Betz; her son, Mike (Kari) Lanckriet; her grandchildren, Lindsy (Jordan) Benson, Lauren (Preston) McNees, Bryce Lanckriet, Nicole (Kale) Creech, and Wade (Erin) Betz; and her great-grandchildren, Blakley, Mia, Taton, Teagan, Tinley, and Evie. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Sunday, June 28 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Town of LaSalle Community Center, 101 Todd Avenue, LaSalle, CO. We invite all who knew Betty to join us in honoring her memory.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date.