Betty Joan Williams

Betty Williams passed away May 30, 2024, at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her son, Darrel Williams, and companion, Jack Nelson. She is survived by her sister, Verna Belle Haworth; sons, Timothy Williams and Douglas Williams; and her daughters, Donna Sneller and Lynda Streater. She is also survived by her nephew, David Weimer, and niece, Denise Douglas, in addition to multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Betty graduated from La Veta High School in 1948, and she spent her adult life as a rancher east of Walsenburg. Early on, there was no electricity or running water in her home. She was quite resilient and resourceful at making do. When her kids thought they needed something, she would say, "Tell me what you need, if I don't have it, I'll tell you how to do without it." She was 40 when she first got a telephone.
She was well known as a 4-H leader and enjoyed working with the community kids for 21 years. She started the Rattlesnake Buttes 4-H club so the neighborhood kids had a fun, confidence-building foundation for the skills they would need as they set out into the world. Betty was honored to serve as an advisor for the Farm Service Agency County Committee for Las Animas and Huerfano counties from 2008 until 2010. When asked to participate, she thought it was a volunteer position and was completely shocked when she received a paycheck in the mail.
Always industrious, Betty did many things throughout her life to earn money, from trapping coyotes to seining water dogs. All the way up until her death, Betty raised chickens and sold eggs. They were quite popular throughout the county, and she said children often identified her as the egg lady.
Betty is remembered by many as a tenacious and determined lady who loved cows. She loved all animals, but cattle had a special place in her heart. Betty could never imagine life anywhere else, doing anything else. She was very blessed to have wonderful friends and neighbors who helped her with her ranching endeavors throughout the years.
Her family is grateful for the help from the many who checked on her and helped with not only the ranch, but her household needs as well. A special thank you to Sangre de Cristo Hospice making her last days comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Noah's Ark Animal Welfare Association, P.O. Box 478, Trinidad, CO 8102.
A celebration of Betty's life will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at the 4-H Barn at 401 Moore Avenue in La Veta Colorado.