Betty Jo Phillips (Harstad) was born in Servilleta, New Mexico on March 23, 1931 to Aubrey Gus Brazel and Willie Bascome Perkins. Betty had 5 older brothers – A.G., Billy, John, James Carrol and Berl, all who have welcomed her on the other side. Her sons Clinton and Robert are there as well, as is her first husband, Darrell (Doe) Phillips, and her great granddaughter, Shyanne Gracie Phillips. Her son, Larry (Glenna) Phillips, resides in Hercules, California.
Betty married Doe September 11, 1951. Their three boys, Larry, Clinton, and Robert spent the majority of their growing up years on their ranch near Antonito. They raised sheep, cattle and hay. The family enjoyed summers traveling to rodeos where Doe rode bulls and saddle broncs. Betty was the Rodeo Secretary. Their boys participated in various parts of the setup/cleanup and moving of animals. It was an especially good time for the Phillips family.
Betty enjoyed her work in the Snack Car on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. She liked people, had a cheerful disposition and enjoyed dancing.
Doe and Betty have eight grandchildren ~ Clay (Michelle) Phillips, Brighton, CO; Amanda Stemler, Alamosa, CO.; Brandy Phillips Alamosa, CO., Darrell Phillips, Alamosa, CO. Justin (Dawn) Phillips, Monument, CO., Damon (Jennifer) Phillips, Austin, TX, Dolene (Brett) Rodman, Alamosa, CO.; Jesse Phillips, Alamosa, CO.; Doe & Betty have 22 living great grandchildren.
After Doe’s passing in February 1994, Betty met and married Orrin Harstad 6 years later. Betty and Orrin continued with the Phillips tradition of attending PBR events. They lived between their homes in Antonito, CO. and Yuma, AZ and finally settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Betty & Orrin moved back to the San Luis Valley into the San Luis Care Center when they were unable to live independently. Orrin has since moved to the Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center in Walsenburg, where he currently resides.
Betty passed peacefully into Eternity February 14, 2015 at the Evergreen Nursing Home with Brandy Phillips, her loving granddaughter at her side. We all will miss you, Betty!
VIEWING: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 21st - Rogers Family Mortuary, 205 North 3rd Street, Manassa.
INTERMENT: 10:30 – 11:00 Manassa Cemetery
MEMORIAL SERVICE: 11:10 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 311 Main Street, Manassa.

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