Betsy Sprague Champlin Altman

It is with very deep sadness that we announce the passing of Betsy Sprague Champlin Altman, 83, of King George, on Thursday, the 17^th of November, 2022. Betsy was a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was born in Silver Creek, NY, in 1938, and spent her childhood in Erie, PA. Her favorite activities growing up included singing, sharpshooting, taking flying lessons, boating on Lake Erie with her parents and her brother, enjoying fall weekends at the family hunting lodge, and joining her mother in Eastern Star meetings and events.

Betsy entered the working world as a claims agent for an insurance company in Erie. Hoping to expand her world view, she accepted a position with the Navy’s Joint Communications staff at the Pentagon and moved to Washington, DC. When the promised overseas assignments never materialized, she returned to insurance. After getting married and starting a family, Betsy began her career as a highly esteemed administrative assistant and bookkeeper. For many years she worked with ENSCO, which operates in the aerospace, avionics, and national security sectors. After moving to King George, Betsy became administrative assistant to the King George County Administrator, and later kept books for several years at King George Auto Parts. In 2012 she opted for a richly deserved retirement.

Betsy is survived by daughters Mary A. Thorsted and Kathy L. Altman (Dan Synan); sons William A. Altman (Denise) and Gerald J. Altman; granddaughter Devon N. Altman; grandsons Joshua A. W. Altman and Stephen J. Thorsted; and beloved beagle Molly. Betsy was preceded in death by father Walter A. Champlin; mother Lottie S. Champlin; brother Allan W. Champlin (Regina); niece Elizabeth “Lisa” M. Champlin; son-in-law Gregory G. Thorsted; and husband William G. Altman. Betsy will be deeply missed, and will always be remembered for the joy she found in playing Scrabble; reading; knitting; watching Jeopardy; snuggling with her pets; and, when she was physically able, camping; horseback riding; and tackling just about every type of household project imaginable. She will also be remembered for her intelligence, her generosity, her incredible work ethic, and her sly sense of humor. She loved her family, roses, animals, John Wayne, the Washington Redskins, peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwiches, big band music, and chocolate milkshakes.

The family will hold a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fredericksburg SPCA, 10819 Courthouse Rd, Fredericksburg, VA  22408 (www.fredspca.org).