November 26, 1930 - September 23, 2023

Betty Jo Fisher was born here in Sheridan in the front bedroom of her parents’ house on November 26, 1930, at the beginning of the Great Depression, her life was an homage to her father’s motto of “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”

She attended Sheridan schools, along with her older brothers Robert, who preceded her passing, and Richard (Dick) Fisher who survives and lives in Seattle, Wahington.

After graduation from Sheridan High School, she enrolled in Chadron State College in Nebraska, where she majored in education, becoming a teacher of art and music.

At Chadron, she also met Walter Keith Bare, who she fell in love with and married. They had two children together, David and Alisa. The couple lived in Laramie, Riverton, and Casper and later moved back to Sheridan.

Betty Jo worked as a teacher of art and music for District 1 of the Sheridan County school system for over 40 years, both in Big Horn and Ranchester. She was proud of the fact that when she retired, it was from teaching the grandchildren of her original students. It was nearly impossible to go anywhere with her and not hear, “Hey Mrs. Bare! Remember me?”

After retirement, she delighted in baking cookies and pies, many of which were highly prized at the First Christian Church bake sale and auction. Her children and grandchildren, Adam and Damon also loved the chocolate chip cookies, chokecherry jelly, rhubarb, mincemeat, and lemon pies with mountains of golden meringue.

One of her greatest achievements was helping to save what later became Lions Club Park. Sheridan County School District #2 was in the process of selling the land for industrial use.

Betty circulated a petition to save the land for the children on the east side of town to have a place to play, which much to her chagrin was later converted by the City of Sheridan into a huge dog park, with a tiny playground in one corner, and a basketball half court in the other.

Betty Jo Bare leaves behind her two children, David and Alisa of Sheridan, Grandsons Adam Curtis of Kansas and Damon Good, and great-grandson Darien of Sheridan.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, October 28 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Vanya Mullinax officiating at the First Christian Church, 102 South Connor, in Sheridan. Following the service there will be a potluck reception so please bring a dish or drink for everyone to share.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Betty’s name to: 307 Discovery Center, 556 Broadway St., Sheridan, WY 82801.

Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com.

SheridanMedia.com - Oct. 18, 2023.