Elisabeth Ann "Betsy" Davis
April 3, 1951 ~ July 12, 2016
Elisabeth Ann "Betsy" Davis
A loving mother, a trusted friend. A gifted photographer, a hot air balloon pilot. A meticulous planner with a flair for spontaneity. A protective grandmother who enjoyed time after school with her grandson and “girl days” with her granddaughter. A hard worker enjoying a well-earned retirement. Betsy Davis was all of these things, and so much more.
Betsy grew up in Englewood and was a high school cheerleader. She graduated from Englewood Senior High School in 1969. She made many friends in school, some of whom she remained friends with her whole life, or rekindled friendships with at recent high school reunions. She truly enjoyed catching up with old friends and cherished all of the friendships she had.
A strong single mother of two boys, Josh and Justin, Betsy worked hard to start a career, provide for her children and make ends meet. She also did whatever she could to make sure the boys had fun along the way. Justin, the younger of the two boys, had Cerebral Palsy. His special needs presented challenges, but also gave blessings we all are grateful for. Through it all, Betsy’s strength and independence saw us all through good times and bad.
One of Betsy’s hobbies while the kids were young was to take photographs of the hot air balloons launching at Chatfield State Park. Betsy was friendly, inquisitive and liked to strike up a conversation with someone new. Conversations with the balloonists at Chatfield quickly turned to friendships and sparked Betsy’s passion for ballooning. It was her dream to one day become a hot air balloon pilot. She worked hard to fulfill that dream in 2003 when she earned her private pilot’s license piloting her own hot air balloon, aptly named “Heavens to Betsy”.
Betsy worked hard and earned a high level professional position at Lockheed Martin, one of very few to do so without a college degree. She was rightfully proud of that fact.
After her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with friends drinking wine and watching the sunset on her deck or at a local restaurant, taking trips with friends and family, meeting up with her local photography club to view nature through the lens of her camera, and of course, spending afternoons with her grandson, Justin, after school.
She was so grateful for all of her friends and family and loved them so much. She felt blessed to have so many wonderful people who loved her.
Betsy was preceded in death by her mother and step-father, Althea and Josef LaBatto, and her son, Justin. She is survived by her great aunt, Betty O’Nele, her son and daughter in-law, Josh and Kindra Liss and her grandchildren, Justin and Ryenne Liss.
A private graveside funeral service will be held with Betsy’s close family at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery on July 19, 2016.
Those wishing to pay their respects are invited to join family and friends in a celebration of life to be hosted in her honor on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Liss Residence. 6941 W. Friend Place, Littleton, CO 80128.
In Betsy’s words, “I want a good old fashioned Irish wake. Have everyone wear Hawaiian shirts, play Jimmy Buffett and the Beach Boys.”
We will be celebrating her life, sharing stories about our love for her and rejoicing in the memories we had together. Proper attire and attitude are encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Betsy’s name to the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC). http://www.ddrcco.com/get-involved/donate/index.php
Family and friends are welcome to share stories and photograph's of Betsy here on her website (click appropriate tab on the left side of the page).
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Betsy and I met during one of our photography meetups and became instant friends. We discovered that we had the same interest in photography, macro, especially of flowers and bugs. We got together a lot and went to Denver Botanic Gardens, Hudson Gardens, Chatfield Farms, the list goes on and on. More often than not we would end up capturing the same photo and then call each other "Copy Cats" and then just laugh at ourselves. I am going to miss those times with Betsy and sharing photos with her and also seeing photos that she had taken of frozen bubbles, grocery store flowers and especially the grandkids. Betsy I hope you look down on me while I am out with the camera and let me know how to take my photos a little better.
Betsy made my bride mates dresses 45 years ago. She was a woman of many talents. I will truly miss her.
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Betsy through ballooning and loved her smile and fun attitude about life. I will miss her.
I will miss Betsy's never-ending smile and her zest for life. Betsy was always interested in and willing to try new things. I watched her photography skills blossom, and I had the pleasure of traveling with Betsy to Nicaragua in 2014, where we worked with Empowerment International and their photography program. The children at EI taught us more than they'll ever know, and it was a pleasure watching Betsy connect, heart to heart, with these children (now young adults!). Even though often outside of her comfort zone – this type of travel was new for her – she had a hug, a smile, a story, and words of support and encouragement for us all.
Mere words cannot convey the sorrow and loss I feel with Betsy's sudden passing. As a friend since grade school, through High school, and recently as we reconnected these past several years, she lifted me up wither positive outlook on life. I will truly miss our lunches, meeting at alumni functions, and yes, her love of the Broncos.
But I will especially miss her wonderful talent with a camera as she documented the young lives of her grandkids. Oh, how she loved them.
Rest in Peace, dear Betsy. You left us FAR too soon.
Crossing The Bar By A Tennyson
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar
My heart goes out to all who were close to Betsy, especially her family who she obviously loved deeply with great enthusiasm. I am so glad we reconnected in the last few years and were even able to spend some time together. She will be missed.
Sending love to Josh, Kindra, Justin and Ryenne in this time of sudden loss. I have known Betsy since Kindra and I were college roommates and Josh and Kindra were first dating… Betsy was always a constant in our lives back then, full of kindness and fun. As of late, she and I chatted often on Facebook about the kids and Broncos and different topics. She always was insightful and kind. The love she had for her grandchildren and family and life was apparent through the beautiful photos she shared. So terribly sorry for your loss… sending love and light from our family to yours. Rest in peace, dear Betsy. You will be missed.
I think Betsy had one of the best qualities a person can have… Her desire to learn overwhelmed any fear of failure. Whether learning meant a new task at work or a brand new hobby, she would simply try until she figured it out. I think that helped Betsy really get the most out of life and the things she enjoyed doing.
Betsy and I met through work and spent many hours working through challenging projects, but when I said I wanted to move to Colorado, she was my friend picking me up at the airport in a blizzard to find a new place to live. I laugh about that now knowing just how much she hated driving in bad weather!
Betsy and I were constantly in contact on Facebook, commenting on each other's photos or interesting stories. I enjoyed so much watching her grandkids grow up and hearing all their fun stories. I loved my grandparents so much and it felt like I was watching a familiar story each day. I hope they will always remember her good advice and how much she loved them.
A beautiful soul taken from us too soon, but appreciated greatly for all she brought into our worlds. Whether it's taking a great photo on a vacation or listening to Jimmy at Red Rocks in a few months, I know she'll always be around.
Much love to her family and friends who will miss her dearly.
We are sorry to hear about Betsy's passing. We got to know your Mom through ballooning. What a great woman. She will be missed.
All our Love and Prayers
Roy and Dolores
Betsy and I met at one of our SWDPT Meetup's in 2012. She was intent on learning to take better pictures of her grandkids, and as with many of us, she was bit by the photo-bug and dove head first into photography, researching and practicing as much as she could. We all watched over the years as her skills bloomed and wowed by many in capturing beautiful images to share with us all.
I admired her gumption and zest for life. She was a true and kind woman who touched so many people with her exuberant and caring personality.
Oh Betsy, you left us far too soon. I am very grateful to have been your friend. I wish I could be a part of your celebration of life, surrounded by those you loved so much; but, will be thinking of you as I am out shooting in your honor that day.
Forever in our hearts and through our lenses. God bless you.
The Bible helps us to appreciate that God cares for us, and in the near future, there will be a time when God will "wipe out every tear" from our eyes, and "death will be no more" Revelation 21:3, 4. Please take care of yourselves and each other and know that our thoughts are with you.
I just wanted to extend my deepest sympathies to your family. I met Betsy over 20 years ago through work. She was a woman of great strength and integrity…loved by all and definitely deeply loved and cherished her family.
There are no adequate words to express such a sorrow, but I pray that the Lord will blanket you all with his presence, peace, and comfort that passes all understanding.
Blessings…
Josh, its very difficult finding the words to properly articulate the deep sadness and sense of loss for your Mom, my dearest friend for the past 27 years. As LM co-workers, photography buddies we laughed together, cried together, did awesome things together as well as some dumb things together. So its very difficult to fine mere words to describe just how much I will miss Betsy and all the joy she brought to my life and others who knew her. Josh, you and your family were the center of the Universe in Betsy's life — her joy, love and many, many memories will be with you forever. Mike and I send our deepest condolences to you, Kindra, Justin and Ryenne.
I worked with Betsy at Lockheed Martin many years ago. She was always so positive and upbeat. She always made you feel very special. It was maybe just about 3 months ago I was driving down Wadsworth and she came to mind. My heart goes out to all of you, your all in my thoughts and prayers. You all have a Angel in heaven.
To Betsy's family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mom and grandmother. I was taking pictures of flowers and bees yesterday and thoughts of Betsy and her camera popped into my mind. I wasn't aware of her passing until today; it is very surprising and you have my deepest condolence.