Betty Daugherty Chrisman

At the age of 101, Elizabeth (Betty) Daugherty Chrisman passed away peacefully at home from natural causes on May 23, 2022.

The daughter of James T. Daugherty and Francis Hess Daugherty, Betty was born on September 16, 1920, in Columbus, Indiana and raised on a farm south of town. Growing up in the country, she attended a one-room school in her elementary years. She first attended Gulf Park Junior College in Mississippi and later graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1943 with a degree in English Literature.

Betty lived and worked in Washington, DC, during WWII, assisting in the effort to decode enemy messages. While in Washington, she reunited with high school friend, Don Chrisman, as he returned from serving in Italy. Betty and Don were married on January 8, 1949 and were together for 71 years until Don’s death. While fishing shortly after her marriage, she caught a 42lb African Pompano which tied the world record.

Once married Betty gave up her career in Washington, D.C. for family life with Don. They lived in New Mexico, Florida, Baltimore, Maryland and finally settled in Bow Mar, Colorado in 1971 where they fell in love with the outdoor lifestyle of Colorado. They backpacked, hiked, camped, and fished well into their 80’s while introducing Indiana relatives to the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. To those closest to her, she was known for her strong independent spirit.

Betty was an avid bridge player, bird lover, and longtime member of Bow Mar’s Monday Club and the Garden Club. Betty shared her love of travel with Don and together they traveled around the world including Papua New Guinea, Russia, the Arctic Circle, Patagonia and all 50 states.

Betty is survived by daughter Linda Chrisman Oakland, CA, son Jim Chrisman (Phyllis) Bow Mar, CO and 3 grandchildren, Luke Pickrell, Claire Chrisman, and James Chrisman.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Betty’s remembrance to Denver Audubon, an independent chapter of the National Audubon Society, https://denveraudubon.org/about-us/

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, June 9, 2022, at Littleton Cemetery near the southwest side of the cemetery.

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