Betty Evans passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025, at her beloved home of 65 years in Buena Vista, Colorado. She was a vibrant 96-year-old up until her last days.
Born Feb. 18, 1929 in Gunnison, Colorado, to Pete and Pauline Moore, Betty grew up on the family ranch, where she developed a lifelong love of the land, livestock and the rhythm of rural life. She began her education at the Fairview Schoolhouse on Ohio Creek Road, often riding her horse to school, and later attended school in Gunnison, graduating from high school in 1947. She continued her education at Western State College, earning a bachelor of arts degree in March 1952.
Growing up on the ranch shaped much of who Betty was. She was actively involved in cattle work, haying, irrigating and all the responsibilities that came with ranch life. She fondly remembered her participation in 4-H, camping trips into the Colorado backcountry on horseback, fishing excursions and countless cherished moments with her grandparents, cousins and friends.
Betty began her career as a physical therapist, working with children affected by polio. Her early adulthood was marked by a spirit of adventure — after World War II, she and her sister traveled through Europe, collecting stories and memories that stayed with her throughout her life.
On Sept. 11, 1954, Betty married John Evans in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. At the time, Betty was working in New Mexico and John was based in Biloxi, Mississippi.
They eloped, marrying in a simple ceremony performed by the justice of the peace, with a janitor and a clerk as witnesses. The newlyweds traveled often due to John’s work, eventually settling in Buena Vista, where they raised five children and lived surrounded by John’s family, with Betty’s family nearby in Gunnison. They were married 62 years until John’s passing.
Betty supported her children in school activities, sports and family milestones. She loved visiting the ranch in Gunnison, traveling to Montana to see her sister and extended family, camping and being outdoors.
Her adventurous heart remained vibrant throughout her life. Betty was proud of these accomplishments: She rode her ATV around the ranch in Gunnison at every opportunity; helped irrigate and mend fences in her mid-80s; participated in corn and hay harvests well into her later years; learned to water ski at the age of 62; climbed into a deer stand in her 80s; rode in a motorcycle sidecar in her late 80s; celebrated her 90th birthday by rafting the “milk-run” stretch of the Arkansas River with several grandchildren.
She also enjoyed playing cards weekly and attending luncheons, Young at Heart gatherings, women’s missionary events and picnics with dear friends. Betty enjoyed attending musical events in Buena Vista, the Gunnison Pioneer Museum and all things related to her family history, which extended to great uncles owning the local bakery in Buena Vista, now known as Loback’s Bakery.
Her connections to the Gunnison agricultural community remained strong throughout her life. She faithfully kept track of and loved to attend the Gunnison stockgrowers and Cattlemen’s Days functions and took great pride in her heritage and community roots.
Betty is survived by her five children: Mary (Harley) Lewallen; Alice (Mark) Wolters and her grandsons, Brady and Cameron Wolters; Tom Evans; Brenda (Steve) Miles, and her granddaughters, Mallie and Catelin (Fred Morrison) Miles; Julie (Lon) Kersting, her granddaughter Maryll (Rob) Betzold, and two great- granddaughters, granddaughter Lauren (Nate) Huffman, and her grandson Lane (Hannah Cranor) Kersting
She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and many close friends who cherished her humor, strength and warm presence.
Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John; her parents, Pete and Pauline Moore; her sister, Rosie Munis; her brother, Danie Moore; and many cherished friends.
A private memorial service will be held for the family in Gunnison. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made in Betty’s memory to the Fairview School account at Gunnison Savings and Loan, 303 North Main Street, Gunnison, 81230, or payable to the Gunnison County 4-H, 275 South Spruce Street, Gunnison, 81230. These are organizations that reflect her values, her love of education and her lifelong connection to agriculture.
