Elizabeth Jane (Betty) Larsen was born in the District of Columbia on October 26, 1927, to Bessie Lewis and George Gordon Elms. She spent her childhood living in officers' quarters on army bases throughout the United States and in the Philippines. After graduating from Austin High School in El Paso, Texas, she attended the University of Texas at Austin for two years, spent a year in Germany, where her father was stationed, and graduated with a degree in political science from George Washington University.

Betty married Julius Morris (Jim) Larsen on May 6, 1950, and enjoyed life as the wife of a naval officer, traveling from coast to coast, with multiple tours in California, Maryland, Hawaii, Rhode Island, Virginia, and New Jersey. In each community she lived, she faithfully attended the Episcopal Church, joined Delta Gamma alumni, taught Sunday school, and was a scout leader. After receiving a Master of Education degree from Patterson State College of New Jersey, she taught special education in Ringwood, New Jersey. Betty and her husband spent their retirement years in Woodinville, Washington, where she was an active member of The City Church, Bible Study Fellowship, Colonial Dames of America, and served as scholarship chairman for the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her senior years were spent near family in Virginia Beach, where she was lovingly cared for by the staff at Pacific Senior Living. She is survived by four children and eight grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at Fort Myer, Virginia, where Betty was christened, married, and attended memorial services for her parents and husband. Interment in Arlington National Cemetery followed. Memorial donations may be made to www.shareinasia.com, a ministry of a close family friend, or the Arizona DAR Scholarship Fund, ASDAR Treasurer, c/o Kris Fischer, 621 W. Acoma, Phoenix, AZ 85023.