Betty Jo Quintana

Betty Jo Quintana was called home on January 29th, 2020. She was 74 years old. Betty Jo Quintana was born on January 23rd, 1946 in Dulce New Mexico. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Charlie Quintana.
Betty Jo went to school at Ignacio High School. Although Betty Jo did not graduate, she knew the importance of education and went on to earn her GED. Betty Jo’s education quest continued, as she went on to receive her BA in Early Childhood Education and a Masters in Counseling. Betty Jo was employed in several different community areas. She worked at the Head Start, the Ignacio School district and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Betty Jo continued to work part-time at the Ignacio School District.
Betty Jo met her soul mate, best friend, and the love of her life, Joseph Charlie Quintana and married on June 30th, 1962. They were married 56 years before Charlie passed on May 23rd, 2018. They lived and raised their four children Carmela, Charlene, Cindy, and Carlos on a ranch in Arboles, Colorado, where both Charlie and Betty Jo made their home and never left. The Quintana Ranch was a mainstay for not only their family, but anyone who needed a place to call home.
Betty Jo was a pillar of faith, love and respect to her surrounding community. Her Catholic faith was very important to her and she was a lifelong member of the Carmelita’s. She loved life and thrived in helping all children succeed in education. Betty Jo’s heart was full of love for those who wanted to succeed. She stood for the weak, the lost and the lonely. Her heart and love for them always seemed to help them find their way. Her counseling skills were always in use whether they were for students, adults or family. Betty Jo was a champion of surviving all odds.
Her hobbies included the love of making quilts, Embroidery, gardening, canning, camping, traveling and watching her grandchildren play sports. Most important of all Betty Jo loved spending time with her family. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her whole life.
Betty leaves behind her closest family, Carmela Huerta (Lupe Huerta, Lupe Jo, Steven, Cassandra) Charlene Sandoval (Frank Sandoval, Frank Jr., Stephanie, Nichole), Cindy Valdez, (Chris Valdez, Chrystianne, Kiana, Charlize, Sydnee) and Carlos Quintana (Eustaquio, Tristian, Gabrielle). She had 10 ¾ great-grandchildren. Sister Ada Cruz. She was a mom and grandma to many others who lives she touched.
Betty Jo will be remembered for her love of life, her strength, courage, strong will and faith.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Peters St. Rosa Catholic Church at P.O. Box 804, Ignacio, CO 81137.