Betsy Elaine Goehring

GOEHRING, BETSY ELAINE Age 54, a resident of Rio Rancho and native New Mexican, went home to sit at Jesus' feet on Monday, January 16, 2012 surrounded by her family after a long, but very valiant battle with cancer. She is survived by her mother, Sally Goehring and husband, Jim Bradley; two children, Ty Rachel Leyba, and Jennifer Nieto and husband, Michael; brother, Bruce Goehring and wife, Samme of Texas City, Texas; "the sister everyone wishes they had" Linda Goehring Cde Baca and husband, Eddie; nephew, Richard H. Goehring and wife, Holly; and nieces, Natalie Martinez, and Amy Jennings and husband, Jon. She is also survived by her adorable cat, Casey. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard D. Goehring. Betsy was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico on December 7, 1957. She was a graduate of Del Norte High School. She continued her education at the University of New Mexico earning a bachelor's degree, and then a masters' degree in computer management from Webster University. Betsy was a stay-at-home mom so that she could raise her children, and provided daycare for her two precious nieces. Once the children were older, she took classes at New Mexico Highlands Rio Rancho and obtained her teaching certificate. She was a special education teacher at Rio Rancho High School and she loved working with these very special kids. Her illness forced her to stop teaching full time, but she went on to be a substitute teacher working around her chemo schedule. She will always be remembered as a loving mom, a cherished daughter, a wonderful sister, a caring teacher and co-worker, and a friend for life. Betsy found great joy in reading, crafts, home decorating, collecting teapots, and loved to shop the second-hand and antique stores. She loved hummingbirds, irises, rainbows, and porch swings with sunshine and big puffy white clouds. She greatly enjoyed her morning cup of tea. Since Betsy had no grandchildren of her own, she took on the role of "grandma" to her very special little boy, Cody, the son of her very, very dear friend, Joy Garcia. Betsy, you will always be remembered for your greatest gift - the ability to love with your whole heart. You have touched the lives of so many people, and we will cherish the special memories you have left with each one us. Light and love surrounds you forever. We love you dearly and you will remain forever in our hearts. A celebration of Betsy's life will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2012, 3:30 p.m. at French, Westside Chapel. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in Betsy's name to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, www.komen.org, the American Cancer Society, 10501 Montgomery Blvd. NE, 87111 or Presbyterian Hospice, 8300 Constitution Ave NE, 87110.