Frontier Mind And A Restless Heart

Betty Jean Tippett 1921 - 1993

along the trail from Joseph Creek Ranch to the post office at Rogersburg

Betty Jean grew up in a remote area of southeastern Washington near the Hells Canyon of the Snake River. The closest town, Asotin, Washington, was a hard two-day ride away over very rough terrain. There were no roads during her younger years at the ranch. The closest post office and connection to the outside world was the small settlement of Rogersburg, some six miles away by horseback. Riverboats plied the swift current of the Snake River and brought supplies, mail and passengers to Rogersburg on a somewhat regular basis. Their ranch was self-sufficient and their way of life was isolated. And in this environment, Betty Jean lived as a cowgirl—born to the saddle.

excerpt from Mom Was a Cowgirl by Smoke Wade