Betty Cordes passed away on February 13, 2024, at the age of 85, in Gardnerville, Nevada. She was born Elizabeth Jean Chism on May 4, 1938,
to Miriam and John Chism in Reno, Nevada. Betty was preceded in death by her father, mother, and husband of 58 years, Chris Cordes.
Betty graduated from Reno High School in 1956 and went on to attend college at the University of Nevada Reno where she majored in art and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Betty loved horses and in 1958 she was crowned Miss Rodeo Nevada. Shortly after relinquishing her crown, she married Chris Cordes and moved to Gardnerville where together they raised a family and ran the multigenerational Cordes family ranch. Betty was very active in the community. She was a member of the Nevada Cattlewomen Association, which she once held the office of state president and was awarded the honor of Cattlewoman of the Year. She volunteered with the Ag in the Classroom Program, was an active member of Minden Fortnightly for over 30 years, was a member of the Carson Valley Clays Gun Club, and a longtime volunteer at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center. In 2019, Betty was honored as a Woman in History by the Douglas County Historical Society.
Surviving are her son Greg Cordes of Reno and daughter Lisa Filbin of Gardnerville; grandchildren Megan Jones (Robert) of San Francisco, California and Connor Filbin of Berkeley, California; brothers Gordon of Fort Bragg, California, and William and David, both of Reno and her nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is scheduled for 1 p.m. March 3rd at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center, 1477 Highway 395 North, Gardnerville.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center in memory of Betty Cordes.