Betty Rose Douglas Rios

© Cheyenne Star

23 Dec 2004

Submitted by: Wanda Purcell

Betty Rose Douglas Rios died December 6, 2004 after a 25 year battle with breast cancer. She both fought the battle and won the war with cancer. It took her body, but failed to ever take her zest, love and appreciation of life. Through it all, she remained grateful for the prayers and support of loving family and friends from all over, modern medicine and wonderful doctors and medical personnel.

Betty Rose was born on June 16, 1933 on the Z Ranch in Roger Mills County, Oklahoma to Leonard and Bonnie Rose Douglas, who preceded her in death. This Centennial Ranch is now the home of her aunt and uncle, Lester and Clara Davis.

She received a B.S. in Secondary Education from Western New Mexico University, a M.S. in Counseling and Guidance and M.A. in Educational Administration from New Mexico State University, NMSU.

Betty Rose had more than 30 years experience in education and related fileds. She began her career as a counselor and teacher at the Kadena A.F.B. in Okinawa, then worked with the U.S. Agency for International Development in Georgetown, British Guyana, and was high school counselor in the Allbuquerque Public Schools. This was followed by more than 20 years with the ERIC Clearinghouse on Rural Education and Small Schools at NMSU, beginning as graduate research associate and retiring as the director. She also served as a consultant and was the author of numerous education publications.

She participated in community affairs and was an active member of the University UMC. She served on several committees for the development of the Las Cruces Public School system and also on the NMSU Foundation Board.

She also sang in both church and community choirs.

Betty Rose is survived by her daughter, Blaire Rose Rios and her husband, Bob Mittlesdorf.

She was blessed with a grandson, Eli Dean Mittlesdorf. They had mutual and magical love that could only be seen to be understood.

She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Lynne and Bob Hartsell. In Oklahoma, she is also survived by two aunts, Clara Davis and Rhea Lee Douglas, and many relatives. She leaves an extended family in Wisconsin. Betty Rose left behind many friends whom she considered family.

She will be remembered for her keen intellect, positive outlook, strong sense of humor, love of music and the written word, dedication to family and friends, and the sheer joy she took in living each day. Her thoughtfulness and generosity will with all those who knew her. She truly touched all those whose path she crossed.

In honor of Betty Rose, donations may be made to either the NMSU Foundations-Douglas Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 3590, Las Cruces, NM 88003 or The Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 65009, Dallas, Texas 75265-0390.

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