Betty Collard Obituary

Betty Jo (Larson) Collard, 84, born in Leechburg, PA, passed in the early evening of May 23, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was under the care of Blue Ridge Hospice within her apartment in Berryville, VA. Born on Nov. 6, 1940, to the late Clarence L. and Louise E. (Shutt) Larson. Betty Jo and her beloved husband, Michael L. Collard, shared 46 years of marriage together from Dec. 15, 1972. He passed six years earlier. They met in Denver, CO, where their careers developed as well as wonderful adventures, and especially where family life was embraced with sons and daughters: Kent, wife Kelly Collard, Teri Mahaffy, Shelly, husband Kevin Gellner, and Karen, husband Brad Finch; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren, Ally and Matt; Michael Ray, wife Jennifer, with children Connor and Duncan; and Kristie Lynn, husband Phillip, and their children, Lexie, Jaxson, and Maverick. Betty and Mike's home in Denver was a center for family life near and far, enjoying holidays and wonderful events, including sunny days at the pool. Their fun-loving dogs were a lasting part of their lives as well Sheika, Carlos, and Charlie. Betty Jo was one of six siblings, all born to Clarence and Louise Larson. She grew up with her older brother and sister, Lud and Eleanor (Mason) Lewis, and her younger brother, Art, all of whom preceded her in death. Bet is loved and missed by her sisters Maggie Blalock (Hugh) of Virginia and Susie Morelli and her husband, Nicholas, of Pennsylvania, and by numerous friends and her family. Cherished as 'Aunt Betty,' she shared many adventures and much love with her nieces and nephews over the years -- Megan, husband Scott, and their children, Emily, Wyatt, and Sadie; Michele, husband Alex, and their son, Viktor, all of Virginia; Skylar and Brittany of Pennsylvania; Jaci, husband Al, and their daughters, Janelle and Lauren, husband Dylan; Crystal and her daughters, Lyndsey, husband Joe, and their children, Loki and Ivan; Rachel, husband Matt, and their children, Tucker and Madison, all of South Carolina; Nicole, husband Michael, and their children, Jake and Genevieve, of Massachusetts; and Laura and Mike, Cathy, Sharon, and all their extended family in Alaska. Precious niece, Lauren; nephew, Mike and brother-in-law, Hugh preceded Betty in death. Betty Jo was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith in Vandergrift, PA. Her faith remained important to her throughout her life. As a graduate of Leechburg Area High School, class of 1958, Betty Jo made friends that remained close throughout her lifetime. She graduated from Shadyside Hospital Nursing School in 1961, Pittsburgh, PA. Betty Jo continued her medical education as an RN, BSN, GNP, and CPHQ. Before her full career took off, Betty Jo traveled to Europe for an unforgettable several-month trip. She had developed an adventurous side to her life. Following work in the areas around her hometown of Leechburg, PA, B.J. held nursing positions at Shadyside, McKeesport, and West Penn Hospitals in Pittsburgh, PA. She began serving with the National Guard on weekends. Her work continued in Denver, Colorado, beginning at Porter Hospital. She directed the Metro Community College Clinic for students as a nurse practitioner, working with Dr. Sutton. This position brought great joy and enthusiasm to B.J. Years later she poured her skill, expertise, time, and energy into becoming the founder of Consulting Teaching Services, known as C.T.S., Inc., providing educational programs and consulting services nationally. Specializing in geriatrics and long-term care, B.J. published a restorative nursing manual in 1995. This manual, along with her workshops, became the standard for restorative nursing care through those years. Reading, gardening, cooking, skiing, and travel added much enjoyment and fun to Betty Jo's life. Her resilience in life and her love of her family continue to be felt by those who knew and loved her! There will be a Christian service and celebration of Betty Jo's life at her family's convenience. Donations may be given in memory of Betty Jo Collard to Blue Ridge Care, 333 West Cork St., Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601, Phone: 540-313-9200.