Elizabeth (Betty) K. Govan
Elizabeth K. Govan (Betty) of Estes Park, Colorado, passed on Friday, February 15, 2013 at Wide Horizons Christian Science Nursing facility in Wheat Ridge, Colorado surrounded by the love of her Family. She was born on March 22, 1917 in Boston, Massachusetts, to Howard Lee and Harriette (Schneider) Kelley. On November 30, 1940 she married David Gordon Govan in Lexington, Massachusetts where they made their home for many years. They had three children. Nancy Lee, Judy and Bobby. While in Lexington, Betty became the first female policewoman in the Boston suburbs. She was active in Girl Scouts for over 50 years. League of Women Voters, 4H Club and square dancing. In 1967 she returned to school to study nursing and was a Christian Science nurse all over the world, most memorably for two years in Australia and as head nurse at Principia College in Elsa, IL.
Betty moved to Estes Park in 1979 and was an active volunteer at the Library, delivered Meals on Wheels, helped with Habitat for Humanity and delivered the weekly newsletter at Good Samaritan Village for the last six years. She was also active in the Rock Club. Rocky Mountain Nature Association, Quilt Club and was the founder of Friendship Force in Colorado. She loved traveling, hiking, camping and spending quality time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of her favorite trips was to South Africa where she spent three months with her life-long penpal Elsie Grewar. This is where she fell in love with giraffes.
Betty was predeceased by her husband “Gordy,” her sister Virginia, her son Bobby and her grandson Jimmy. She is survived by her daughters; Nancy Willocks and Judy Saurino (Jim) of Estes Park, grandson, Nick Willocks (Debby) of Pittsburgh, PA, granddaughters; Sherri Willocks of San Jose, CA, Wendy Hassenpflug (Steve) of Santa Clarita, CA, Dr. Jessica Buehler (James) of Seattle, WA, Cynthia Morgan (Andy) and Kat Ludlam (Daniel) of Estes Park, great-grandchildren; Kayla, Kiera, Kaelynn, Molly, Kade, Haniah, Elyse, Sadie and Simon and nephew David Govan of Fort Collins.
She led a fascinating life and was loved by all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held this summer. In place of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Good Samaritan Society-Estes Park Village, Wide Horizons or a charity of your choice.
