Betty Nielsen, 93, of Walsenburg, CO, passed away on July 4, 2015. Betty had resided at the Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center in Walsenburg for the last four years. Born on August 28, 1921, in Fort Worth Texas, Betty grew up in Arcadia, CA and attended Pepperdine University. Her interests early in life were singing opera and swing dancing. Later, she collected porcelain dolls and bred shitzu dogs for show. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Nielsen; parents Joseph and Durabelle White; her sister Geraldine Flores; her brother Robert White; and her son Donald Gillett. Betty is survived by her three remaining children, Jack Gillett of Thousand Oaks, CA; Jeanne Dalaba of Puerto Vallarta, MX; and Pattie Rowe of Walsenburg, CO. She also has nine grandchildren: Julie Gillett, Jack Gillett, Jr., Michael Dalaba, Tim Murray, Tad Murray, Niki Rowe, Fred Rowe, Debbie Gillett, and Donald Clint Gillett, as well as more than ten great-grandchildren. There will be no services. In lieu of flowers or condolences, the family suggests a donation in Betty’s name be given to local animal rescues.
Breaking news: Results of Walsenburg Mayor race and recall election
May 16, 2023
Gary M. Vezzani was elected Walsenburg’s mayor in Tuesday’s special mayoral election/recall vote. Preliminary results announced Tuesday night show that both Nick Vigil in Ward
