In Memory and In Honor of Betty Chronic
June 24, 1925 - Janaury 21, 2010
Betty M. (McWilliams) Chronic, born June 24, 1925 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to R.F. and Faye McWilliams, died in Boulder, Colo. January 21, 2010 from complications of Diabetes disease. She died peacefully at rest with her husband and three daughters at her side after a short struggle with the final stages of the disease. Betty attended public schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma and graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1943. She attended Tulsa University during WWII, taking time off to marry William (Bill) L. Chronic in 1945, who was serving in the USAAF at the time. They were married in Tampa, Florida on April 7th. Betty continued her education in Tulsa after the War and transferred to the University of Colorado in 1948 where she graduated in 1950 with a bachelor's degree in History Political Science and Education and then continued with graduate courses in Political Science and Social Planning from time to time to support her career in teaching and government.
Betty was a "born" volunteer and a relentless crusader for the good of the country and community. She was a loving wife and mother who cared for all while keeping them on their toes to be good participating citizens in their community. She was a super cook, avid gardener, and loved to travel the world. Betty served 10 years as the Director of Elections and Licensing at the Colorado Department of State, Office of the Secretary of State until her retirement in August 1986. Previously she had served as Assistant County Clerk and Recorder, Boulder County. She taught school at Casey Jr. High and Boulder High School.
Politically, Betty helped change the Colorado Law in 1951, which, at that time, would not allow students to register to vote. Because of that she had to vote in Oklahoma while being a married student in Colorado. She has been a registered Republican in Boulder County since 1951, serving in nearly every capacity and office in the Party from Precinct Committee person to Secretary of the State Party. She was a Presidential Elector in 1960, and filled a vacancy in the State House of Representatives. She served as Delegate at large to the Republican National Convention in San Francisco in 1964. She has been President of the Boulder Women's Republican Club and a member since 1956. She served with the Colorado Federation of Republican Women and was the historian and Archivist. As County Vice-Chair, she was responsible for forming south and north Boulder Republican Women's clubs. She served on many campaign committees for such notable Representatives and Senators as Don Brotzman, Woody Hewitt, Peter Dominick, Gordon Allott, Sybil Downing, Jim Martin, Fran Raudenbush, Sandy Hume, Stan Johnson and many county and city candidates.
LeMoine Dowd
Boulder County Republicans |
