Betty O'Meara

Betty ""Bets"" Van Vleet O'Meara was born in Trinidad, CO, to Rose & Lynn (LW) Van Vleet, on August 1, 1920. The family moved to Denver in 1933 in the midst of the Great Depression. Her father was in the bean & pea business, and packaged and shipped beans grown by the Native Americans of the South West to the world. Her father was instrumental in the reconstruction of Europe after World Wars 1 & 2, and because of his international travels, he became infatuated with the Arabian horse. He subsequently became on of the largest breeders of Arabians in the Country. He purchased a ranch outside of Nederland, CO in 1935, and proceeded to develop the amazing breed of horses as well as cattle. He eventually had 4 ranches in the Boulder area. Betty was an accomplished horsewoman, showed her horses with flair. Of course, in her simple, unassuming way, after having been asked what does your daddy do?, she answered, ""My Daddy is a Cowboy"". And after further questions as to where she lived, she simply answered, ""At the Ranch, but when we are in town, just around the corner"". Always quiet, but always to the point. She married Alfred O'Meara in San Francisco on July 10, 1945. The war was ending, she was a Navy wife for a time, and finally Alfred & Betty returned to Denver in 1946. Their lives were surrounded by children, family and with many cultural, educational & charitable causes. Bets was an artist, always true to all its forms. She stitched, painted, sculpted, drew, built (minis), and had an eye for everything beautiful. She was a botanist by formal training, and incorporating that, her true eye was beauty. She showed her children, family and friends how to grown and flourish. She saw beauty in everything. Everyone she touched knew this and grew from it. Like her gardens. O'Meara Ford Center provided many opportunities for Al and Bets to travel. During these many trips Bets started collecting miniatures. These collections became the beginning of her business. Maison des Maisons was first partnered with her daughter, Sharon, in 1977, then with her daughter, Marilyn, in 1997. She effortlessly worked for the international recognition of this amazing art form. As a Miniature Dealer, specializing in Native American Art and fine American and European art, she championed for the true appreciation of all cultures by way of her miniatures. She accomplished same. She was honoured by the American Needlepoint guild by awarding the highest honours ""for Best of Show"" and the ""First Lady's Award"" in the class of Petit Point for her Miniature work. This was the first ""Best of Show"" in this category. She was also involved with many local institutions: Beginnings of the United Fund (Way), Visiting Nurse Association, Junior League of Denver, Welcome to Colorado, University of Denver Women's Library Association. She is survived by her son Brian, and daughters Sharon & Marilyn, their spouses; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please remember Bets by a donation to The Denver Museum of Miniatures Dolls & Toys, 1880 Gaylord St., Denver, CO 80206.