Elizabeth Jean Van Pelt

Betty (Elizabeth Jean) Riley Van Pelt passed away peacefully on September 7th, 2024. Betty was born August 3, 1930, in Hillsboro NM and spent her early years in and around Deming NM. Betty was a cheerleader at Deming High School for 2 years and was selected as the Head Cheerleader for South Team in the 1948 North South football game. As soon as Betty received her high school diploma, she boarded a bus and headed to Las Cruces where she enrolled at New Mexico A&M. While at the college she was a cheerleader and Chi Omega. During her senior year, her brother introduced her to Rusty Van Pelt. In 1948, Rusty Van Pelt broke off his engagement to his high school sweetheart and drove Oklahoma where Betty was attending a summer class to propose. Betty married the love of her life on August 26, 1948. They were married 61 years when Rusty passed away. Upon his graduation, Rusty was called to active duty and Betty, in her senior year, left college to follow her husband. Over the next several years, Betty raised four daughters. Once her youngest was enrolled in school, Betty returned to New Mexico State University, and in 1968 graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree in Physical Education. She then started her 19-year teaching career at Zia Junior High (eventually Middle) School. Betty was not only a teacher, but the girls coach and Girls Athletic Association sponsor during a time before girls had a sports program. Betty, along with Linda Stice, spent many hours at all the school activities selling suckers and pickles so they could purchase uniforms and shoes for the girls. Upon retirement, Betty and Rusty travelled the United States in their Airstream and spent time with their daughters and families. Until Betty reached 92 years of age, she would spend hours in her beloved backyard making sure everything was green and healthy, and decorating the house each year for all the holidays. Betty is survived by her daughters Barbara (Zeke) Salazar, Peggy (Rand) Feind, Sandy (Mario) Medina, and Lynn (Dale) Fletcher, 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 21 stepgrandchildren, and 1 step great-grandchild. Betty was proceeded in death by her Husband, Rusty Van Pelt; Mother, Oma Hill; Brother John Riley and sister Oma Faye Biggs. 

The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.