Elizabeth L. Ridgway died peacefully, surrounded by her beloved family and Brookdale caregivers, on April 16. She was 96. "Betty" was born in Minneapolis on October 26, 1928, to John R. and Stella F. Ridgway, the youngest of four children. She graduated from St. Mary's in Fairbault, MN, briefly attending the University of Minnesota. Betty moved to Denver in 1951 with son Steven "Ridge" Brooke, following a divorce—vowing to make lemonade from lemons.

A member of the Junior League, she soon began a life of community service that included Children's Hospital and Denver Hospice. Betty was also a member of Denver Country Club where she met and married James R. Shannon—together a formidable mixed doubles team.

Long-time booster of women's healthcare, and convert to the Democratic Party, Betty's first loves were the friendships she formed throughout her life. Known for honoring friends with rhyming, corny poems, she was a worthy Scrabble opponent and dubious speller. Betty later enjoyed writing up new resident biographies at Brookdale University Park, where she lived for 12 years, planting a flower garden each spring in tribute to her mother.

Avid cross-country skier, hiker and all-round adventurer, Betty 'shot the rapids' of the West's big rivers. From the horses she grew up riding to the front-range Paso Finos and family dogs along the way—her friendships were never limited to the human realm. Betty was greatly loved and will be missed for her deep kindness and truly good sense of humor.

She is survived by her daughter Heather Shannon and son-in-law Richard (Eidlin) of Denver, beloved nieces Holly Ridgway Madden (Wayzata, MN), Lisa Elliott, and great nephew Alex Elliott, both of San Luis Obispo, CA. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, brother James of LaJolla, CA, son Ridge and daughter-in-law Margaret of Golden, CO, brother Robert (JoAnn) and sister Beverly (Hammel) of Minneapolis, along with husbands T.G. Brooke and James Shannon.

Per her request no services will be held. Memorials may be made in Betty's memory to Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains and Rocky Mountain PBS .