Betty Lou (DeLozier) Truelove
November 24, 1937 ~ January 19, 2026
Born in:
Bunch, Oklahoma
Resided in:
Pueblo, Colorado
She was born near Bunch, OK, the daughter of Ollie and Cordie (Hamlin) DeLozier, making a grand entrance on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1937. She joined older siblings, Andy, Ulyss, and Peggy.
On school days she had to walk a few miles to catch the bus that would take her seven more miles to school. Even with that challenge, she chose a career in education, following in her father’s footsteps who was a teacher in a nearby school district.
At the age of seven, a family tragedy occurred. On July 28, 1945, her beloved father and brother Ulyss lost their lives by drowning during a fishing trip. It was a very difficult time. She, her mother, and family leaned on their faith in God, and, along with family who lived nearby, made it through those dark days.
After high school, Betty obtained a bachelor’s degree in Education from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK. In 1974 she received her Master of Arts degree from Adams State College in Alamosa, CO.
Betty met her husband, David Truelove, while he was in the Army stationed at Fort Chaffee, AR. They were married on January 23, 1959.
In 1960, Betty’s teaching career began in the Pueblo Public Schools and continued for 36 ½ years. Her love of teaching and dedication to her students was recognized when she was awarded the Pueblo Teacher of the Year award in 1985.
Betty’s retirement years were spent traveling with her husband David in their RV, being pet parents to several Dobermans, reading, spending time with her friends, and in later retirement, enjoying her time at SRDA—chair aerobics and, especially, the fabulous lunches they provided.
Betty was also active in her church, New Heights Baptist. She was on several committees, and when she was younger, she played the piano. She was also part of the ladies’ book reading club, was a prayer warrior, and helped decorate for potluck dinners.
One of her favorite sayings was: “Laughter is the best medicine.” Even with the loss of her father and brother at such an early age, that didn’t seem to affect her light-hearted personality. She was called upon several times to open a meeting with a joke. She enthusiastically accepted the job and made sure her audience had a good chuckle.
Her family and friends had many kind words to say about her, such as, “She enjoyed finding the funny in life.” “It was my pleasure to be Betty’s friend.” “She was a ray of sunshine to all of us at New Heights, and we will miss her.” “If it was in her ability, she would never say no.” “She was a beautiful person.”
She is preceded in death by her husband, David, parents Ollie and Cordie DeLozier, brothers Andrew DeLozier, Ulyss DeLozier, and sister Peggy Periman. She is survived by her nephews, Steve (Jennifer) Periman, Marc (Lorie) Periman, and niece Larri (Jim) Kirkpatrick, along with great-nephews and great-nieces, other family members, and many loving and kind friends.
Memorial contributions can be made to New Heights Baptist Church, 3304 Baltimore Ave, Pueblo, CO 81008 or Senior Resource Development Agency (SRDA), 230 N Union Ave, Pueblo, CO 81003.
Services
Memorial Service: March 27, 2026 10:00 am
New Heights Baptist Church
3304 Baltimore
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-542-1552
RIP. my dear friend & colleague. I have so many wonderful memories of our teaching days at Spann & Park View. Especially our teaching days at Spann. We were like a family there. As a child I attended Spann. You were my sisters 3rd grade teacher. I enjoyed going to lunch with you. You loved those big desserts at Black Eye Pea. We were in Delta Kappa Gama Society together. I really miss you my friend. We always texted each other & kept up with sports. You were a wonderful friend.