Elizabeth (Betsy) Rider Kalkwarf died February 7, 2024 in Kennewick, Washington. She was born December 27, 1924 to George and Minna Rider in Portland, Oregon. She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Kalkwarf, her parents, and a sister, Carol Kalkwarf.

Betsy attended schools in Portland and Tigard, Oregon. She obtained a degree in veterinary medicine from Washington State College in 1949 at a time when only 4 women were allowed admittance to each veterinary class. For several years she was the only women veterinarian in Oregon.

She worked in small animal clinics in Salem, Springfield, and Beaverton Oregon. Later, she limited her practice to birds. She retired in 1986. In 1996 she married her sister’s widower, Donald Kalkwarf and moved to Richland, Washington.

Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, pattern drafting, and making pressed flower stationery. She also enjoyed music. She played the banjo, ukulele, and harmonica and sang in several choirs over the years. In her younger years, she climbed several mountains with the Mazamas, a Portland climbing club of which she was a member. She was also a member of the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Betsy attended Central Church where her husband had been a long-time member, and served on the Chancel Guild there, but kept her ties with the Episcopal church, especially Ascension Episcopal Church in Portland where she had been active on the Alter Guild. After her husband’s death, she joined All Saints Episcopal Church in Richland. She was an Associate of the Sisters of the Holy Nativity, an Episcopal Order.

Survivors include nieces Kristi Dutcher, Heidi Kalkwarf (Michael Meredith), Trina Kain (Dean Kain), and nephew Timothy Kalkwarf; and grand niece Amanda Meredith and grand nephew, Alex, Kain.

Funeral Services will be held at a later date in Portland, Oregon. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Doctor’s Without Borders, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741.