Betty Eleanor Rader

Betty Eleanor Rader, 89, passed away peacefully at The Willows in Fruita on November 16, 2017.

  Betty was born August 4, 1928 to Thomas and Eleanor (Groves) Lynch in Craig, Colorado. The family moved often: Meeker, Denver,  Appleton, Star, Orchard Mesa and Hunter. She attended school in each area. While living on Orchard Mesa she was in the sixth grade, then attended Grand Junction Junior High School and two years at Grand Junction High School. She worked one year and didn't attend school, then attended her junior and senior years at Fruita Union High School when the family moved to Hunter, graduating with the class of 1947.

  She married John Rader in Fruita May 16, 1947. He passed away in 2009. They had three children: Thomas (Janet) Rader , Charles (Mary Lou) Rader and Janet (Jeff) Jones ; four grandchildren: Dylan (Meredith) Rader, Derrick (Annie) Rader, Jennifer (Dan) Cardoza and Janell (Michael) Roberts and 7 great grandchildren.

  She helped run the family farm near Loma, ran the scales at the Loma Beet dump, drove school bus from to Loma to Fruita and back for 21 years and later volunteered at the Gray Gourmet for many years. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, was an excellent artist, working in the yard and garden, canning (she made the best dill pickles), camping trips with friends and regular trips to Las Vegas gambling!

  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, sister Jean Greer and brother John Lynch. She is survived by her immediate family, a sister Norma Spaid and many nieces and nephews.

  She will be greatly missed.

  The family greatly appreciates the excellent care that was provided her for 5 years by the great staff and administration at The Willows.

  A private burial service was held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements were under the care and direction of Grand Valley Funeral Homes.

  In lieu of flowers, please commemorate her with any contributions to The Willows - 243 N Cherry St., Fruita, CO, 81521 or the Lower Valley Fire Protection District - 168 N. Mesa St., Fruita, CO, 81521.

  Please view the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.grandvalleyfuneralhomes.com .

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