Our beloved Betsy, died December 4th, 2008 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Her bravery and passion for life will continue to inspire those touched by her. Betsy Ridgway Moore was born on January 12, 1940, in Cody, Wyoming. Betsy’s father, Dr. Eli Ridgway brought Betsy into this world, and the world is a better place because of her. In April of 1961

Betsy married Clifford E Moore. Their marriage was an adventure filled with sailboat trips, summer ranch life in Wyoming and of course the adventure of raising two daughters, Tina and Debbie. In 1964, Betsy graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.

Betsy implicitly believed in the necessity of community involvement and volunteerism. As a PTA volunteer, Betsy earned the highest honor, the Golden Acorn Award recognizing her efforts to improve parent -teacher involvement in the public school setting. For many years, Betsy volunteered along with her husband Cliff, as youth group leaders at the Burien Presbyterian Church.

She also led the Campfire Girls on camping, climbing, and educational and service activities. To balance this out she was also active with American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Betsy’ careers enveloped her ideal of knowing, caring about, and helping others. She embraced her love of early childhood education by opening a preschool/daycare whereby she mentored numerous young people who continue to be influenced by her example. After moving to Vashon Island, she worked with the Vashon Allied Arts as Volunteer Coordinator working both with membership and volunteer recruitment. She also became involved with Ryther and embraced the fellowship of the Vashon Methodist Church. The church was her second family. Since she couldn’t stay away from kids for long, she involved herself with the Sunday school kids as well as participated in the both the bell and singing choirs.

Another of Betsy’s families was Elk Creek Ranch, a dude ranch for teens started by her mother in 1957. Here she could be together with her own family who operates the place, but also with the many kids she met seeking the “western experience.” Betsy’s example of enjoyment gleaned from hard work, a horseback ride or a hike around steamboat is the spirit of Elk Creek and will continue to be the driving force behind the ranch’s philosophy.

Betsy claimed to be ordinary but her gift was extraordinary as she inspired the best in all of us.

We are so thankful for the support of family and friends. Betsy adored you all.

Betsy , “sleep tight….sleep tight….sleep tight.”

Betsy is survived by her loving husband Cliff, her daughters, Debbie Moore of Duvall, Washington, and Tina Moore of Corvallis, Montana; her grandchildren Keenan and Sean; her brothers Chip Ridgway of Denver, Colorado and Hap Ridgway and his spouse (and Betsy’s surrogate sister) Susan of Cody, Wyoming; and seven loving nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the Vashon Methodist Church Wednesday, Dec 10 at 3PM. Donations can be made to Vashon/Maury Island Community Food Bank, PO Box 1205, Vashon, WA 98070.

You may visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.

(paid obituary)