Betty Ann Ducharme
January 13, 1939 – January 25, 2025

Betty A. Ducharme, neé Elizabeth Ann Turnage, passed away on January 25, 2025, from complications related to cancer. She was born in Salina, Kansas, on January 13, 1939, to Mabel (Howard) and Errol Turnage. She was raised in Blackwell, Oklahoma, graduated from Blackwell High School in 1957, and attended Oklahoma State University.

Betty spent much of her adult life in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and Houston, Texas, before relocating to Colorado Springs in 2003 to care for her mother. Her determination to ensure her mother’s comfort in her final years exemplified the love and devotion Betty showed her entire family throughout her life. A resilient and strong woman, Betty survived a tornado that destroyed her childhood home, raised three children as a single working mother, and proved herself a highly competent legal secretary.

Her hobbies included reading, playing cards, traveling Europe, and watching her favorite shows on BritBox and HGTV–always accompanied by her rescue dog Poppy. She was also quite tech savvy for her generation, a real “Apple Girl.” Betty was a passionate dog lover, and she gave a home to a long line of rescued pups along with the occasional cat. A common sight in the neighborhood was her walking three dogs at once, one being a Great Dane! Betty gave her heart to those pups and they loved her in return.

In 2003, Betty was diagnosed with ocular melanoma and courageously fought the disease for over 20 years with remarkable strength, optimism, and stamina. She often said, “I am only sick on paper,” and “Don’t worry about me, I’m still kickin’!” Betty passed peacefully at home cradled in the arms of her daughters, Beth Anne and Kelly. Throughout her final journey, she was comforted by Poppy.

She is survived by her three loving children. Brett, a retired Air Force General, and his wife Marianne Tango Williams from Durham NC. Daughters, Beth Anne Williams and Kelly Lyn Williams, both of Colorado Springs. She was a loving “Grammy” to two grandchildren who she adored, Mikaela (Miki) and Sean Michael, and his wife Taylor. Betty was thrilled to know she was about to become Great Grammy to a baby boy in March.

Betty will be deeply missed and forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Special gratitude to Betty’s primary care doctor, Dr Susan Matthews and her oncologist Dr. Luke Mantle. Thanks as well for the loving care provided by Home Instead, especially Ellen and Heather, and Compassus Colorado Springs Hospice, notably Shannon.

The family will hold a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to Safe Place for Pets, Colorado Springs (https://www.safeplacepets.org/).