Elizabeth (Betsy) Katherine Revenaugh passed away on December 10, 2022, at the age of 55. Betsy spent her early years in Madison, WI, later moving to Mequon, WI, where she graduated from Homestead High School. Betsy received her bachelor’s degree from Colorado College and obtained her master’s degree in Environmental Toxicology from Colorado State University as well as a master’s degree in Education from Westminster College in Salt Lake City.
Betsy spent her life in nature and her career fighting for the environment. She was an avid skier, mountain biker, traveler, tennis player, camper, and hiker. She enjoyed an early career as an Environmental Epidemiologist for the State of Utah, then later shifted to teach middle school science to the next generation of problem solvers.
Her friends and family appreciated her for her wealth of knowledge and her never-ending kindness. In the multitudes of “tea times” that she hosted, she made sure her guests were treated like royalty and would share with them countless details about something she had recently researched: anything from her favorite new Russian soap opera to a new addition to her extensive list of possible climate change solutions. In any group setting, she gravitated towards the new person and would make it her mission to do anything humanly possible to make that person feel included and seen.
No matter what challenges she faced in her life, her priority was to stoically (and stubbornly) push through so she could be there for her friends, and most of all, for her daughter Elli. Betsy drove Elli to every violin, ski, tennis, piano, ballet, karate, lacrosse, and soccer practice while working full-time in a challenging profession. No matter how ridiculously cruel the weather conditions were, no matter how many hours to rural Utah she had to drive, she would watch every second of her daughter’s lacrosse, cross country, and soccer competitions. To Elli’s occasional (if not frequent) dismay, Betsy was always yelling her daughter’s name, cheering her on aggressively even if the team had just lost a point.
Betsy gave everything she had to her daughter, but also to her friends, and also to her middle school students. She was a bottomless pit of kindness, generosity, and light in the toughest times. We will miss her kindness, her tea times, and her eternal sense of humor.
Betsy is survived by her daughter Elli, mother Katie Smith, sisters Anne Cornelius (James) and Peggy Johnson (Brad), nieces Betsy, Maggie, Emily, and Laura, aunt Jessie Fiedler, cousins Bill Fiedler (Kim), Carol Fiedler (Claude), Ted Papenthien (Jeanne), second nieces and nephews Austin, Mary, Tommy and Teddy Papenthien, Benjamin, and Laura Therien, Ingrid and Will Fiedler, human best friends Cindy, Kirsten, Ann, Katrina, Romella, Shellie, and other dear friends, and canine best friend Aelsaey.
A memorial service honoring Betsy’s life will be held at 10:00 am on December 28th, 2022, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1070 Foothill Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84108. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Salt Lake Arts Academy Science Department, 844 S 200 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84111.
Such a great loss. I knew Betsy as a wonderful friend to my daughter, Ann. Betsy will be missed by many, many people.
I love you Betsy Smith. You were a magical person like no other I have ever known.
Betsy 💕 I was blessed to be your housemate at Colorado College when you dated, Colby. So many mornings he brought you homemade porridge for breakfast and said ‘hello’ to me en route to your room.
Colby always had the joyful glow of anticipating your presence. Your presence brought us all up a notch, helped us feel alive and loved.
Recently you gave me amazing advice. I shall heed your counsel and be the better for it.
May your spirit soar, beautiful Betsy. Sending comfort and joy to you and yours as we all walk this walk of grief, and you shine your light from afar and in new ways.
Love you, honey.
The world’s light dimmed a little on December 10, 2022, when Betsy Smith left it. I believe, though, that the stars are shining brighter now because she is among them. May all those who miss her embrace the cheerfulness, kindness, and hope that Betsy brought to our lives.
Thank you for the sparkle and friendship you shared with us.
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of my friend Betsy. Although I haven't spoken to her in many years, I had the good fortune of working with her during our senior year in high school on speeches for our graduation. As everyone who met Betsy knows, she was an unending source of light, joy, and energy. Her mind moved a million miles an hour and I was usually so busy laughing at something she said that I missed the next 4 or 5 things that came out of her mouth. My deepest condolences to her family, especially her beloved daughter, of whom she spoke in glowing terms at our high school reunion, and her many friends and loved ones. She was a force for good things in this world and we are all poorer for her loss. Peace, Betsy. You saw furthest because you flew highest.
Dear Betsy was a source of love, laughter and joy for me during our years together at Colorado College. She and her family taught me how to cross country ski and we went on so many wonderful adventures together. She hosted my sons and me in SLC when we came out to ski just a few years ago. I will forever remember her bright blue eyes and how she lit up the room with her sweet laughter and curiosity about the world. I’ll miss you, Betsy.
The Martinez family sends out condolences ❤️ Betsy took in our mom when she barely spoke any English and was new to this country and gave her an opportunity to work for her 3 kids. She treated me and my mom like family and we are forever grateful for her.
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