Born on October 24, 1933, in Pocasset, Oklahoma, she was the third child of Lida and Orin Beaty. As the younger sister to Jim and Joan, she was also the older sister to John, Barbara and Dennis. She peacefully departed this life in Durango, Colorado, on August 29, 2026, surrounded by her daughters. In 1949, Betty's family relocated to Center, Colorado. She graduated from Center High School in 1951 and began working at the local drugstore. It was there that she met the love of her life, Dick Bemenderfer, also from Center, during a blind date with another person. When Dick was on leave from the Army, they tried to marry in 1952 in Taos, NM, only to discover that Dick was too young. At just 20, he needed to be 21 to wed. They returned to Center to persuade his parents to accompany them back to Taos to sign the marriage documents. Their first daughter, Karen, was born in Monte Vista in 1955. In 1956, Dick and Betty moved to the Falfa area of Durango, purchasing land on Florida Mesa in 1958. Later purchasing acreage in 1963 which later became Snow Cap Sod. They welcomed three more daughters: Brenda in 1958, Deb in 1962, and Kristy in 1965. When Dick passed away in 2020, they had celebrated 68 years of marriage, and every year since, Betty always added to the years they spent together. This year would have marked 74 years of their union.

Betty graduated from Key Punch School and began her career at Warren Boyle Real Estate before transitioning to the library at Fort Lewis College. Both she and Dick were passionate square dancers for many years at Eureka Grange Hall. After 20 years, she retired from Fort Lewis as the Book Buyer at the bookstore, earning the affectionate nickname “Betty with Books” from many. Together, Betty and Dick were deeply involved in 4-H, serving as project leaders and sponsors for the Sunnyside 4-H club for many years. Betty directed numerous home-ec projects, including sewing and cooking, often instructing us to “tear that out and resew it,” much to our chagrin.

Additionally, Betty played a significant role in the San Juan Quarter Horse Association, contributing in various capacities over the years from horse mom washing horses, fixing hair, trying to keep us fed and out of trouble. For more than 15 years, the Basin High School Rodeo Club benefited from the leadership, support, and sponsorship of both Betty and Dick. They journeyed across the state in a trailways bus and a cattle pot, accompanying the rodeo team on countless adventures. After her daughters married and welcomed grandchildren, Betty attended even more rodeos throughout the states.

Known as the "voice of Snowcap Sod," Betty managed phone calls, scheduled deliveries and crews, ensured everyone stayed hydrated, handled all the paperwork, and always had fresh chocolate chip cookies ready for coffee breaks. She was always willing to lend a hand wherever it was needed. For many years, Betty and Dick explored the western United States in their fifth wheel, taking in breathtaking sights. From the eastern Texas coast to northwest Oregon, they cherished their time on the road, with Dick at the wheel and Betty navigating using their trusty atlas long before the days of Google Maps or cell phones! She marked every journey they took in bright yellow. They made it a point to arrive at RV parks early, allowing them to set up and enjoy watching others arrive after dark. These trips led to many lasting friendships.

Betty had a variety of hobbies, including quilting, gardening, and watching hummingbirds, along with her ever-present basket of flowers. Even in her later years at Evenings Porch, she always had a basket of flowers at her door. Her sewing machine was often busy with a quilt, runner, or other projects waiting to be completed. She crafted many beautiful items, generously gifting most of them to family and friends. A devoted Denver Bronco fan, she enjoyed watching their games as well as the ever-present PRCA rodeo on television.

Betty's unwavering love for her Lord was a constant in her life. A devoted member of the Florida Mesa Presbyterian Church for over 45 years, she continued to attend services regularly. In 2023, she chose to be baptized once more, fully embracing her faith with all her heart. Her affection for family and friends was paramount, second only to her devotion to the Lord.

Betty's family extended beyond mere blood relations, as she welcomed many "strays" into her life. Some may have been a bit rough around the edges, but all were welcomed with a warm embrace of the Bemenderfer family. As a nurturing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, wife, and daughter, Betty was cherished and respected by everyone who knew her. The last year and a half of her life were spent at Evenings Porch in Bayfield, where she rekindled old friendships and forged new ones.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Mercy ER nurse Meagan, Flight for Life team members Jaxon and Shawn, Mercy Chaplain Michelina, and Hospice nurses Amy, Angie, Khris, Kelly, and Maria for their support during this challenging time. They treated our mother with the utmost dignity and respect, providing us with the necessary support as we navigated her passing. The profound impact our mom had on us girls is evident, but the outpouring of calls, texts, conversations, and outreach in her final days truly highlights the influence she had on so many lives.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved partner, Dick, who passed away in 2020; her sisters Joan and Barbara; and her brother, Jim. She leaves behind her four daughters: Karen (Doug) Harrison, Brenda (Ken) Cundiff, Deb (Mel) Bartel, and Kristy (Mike) Hitti. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Jenny (Robb) Wettergren, Rustin (Kristianna) Bartel, Jeralynn Braddock-Harrison, Derek (Ashley) Cundiff, Cahlie (Thad) McCollum, Cassie (Neil) Carico, Katie (Cole) Swanemyr, Keely (Ray) Smith, and Roxann Hitti. Betty also cherished her fourteen great-grandchildren: Jameson, Hadley, Wyatt, Riley, Mackenzie, Dorian, Rylee, Wyatt, Klayson, Colt, Harlynn, Boone, Charley, and Stormi. Additionally, she had one great-great-grandson, Weston, with another on the way. Brothers John (Davy Lou) Beaty and Dennis (CJ) Beaty. Betty's heart was big enough to embrace many chosen sons and daughters, along with their families, including Tim and Kate Middleton, Deb and Steve Otten, Jim and Mary Jo Owens, Brian and Kylee Meisner, Jan and Tommy Brangle, and her dear friend Donna Smith. There are countless others who were touched by her love, and she held each of you dear.

A Celebration of Life will take place with hot coffee and chocolate chip cookies on Sunday, September 6th, 2026, at Spring Creek Hall at 2 PM. We invite you to share your stories and memories. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Betty's church, Florida Mesa Presbyterian Church.