In memoriam: Harvey and Bettye Gossard

Harvey E. (Jim) Gossard and Bettye (Henson) Gossard were Lifetime members and Immortals of FFRF and left a very generous bequest to FFRF.

Bettye died Feb. 2, 2024, at her home in Pennsylvania. Jim died on July 22, 2022, also at their home in Pennsylvania. They were married for nearly 75 years.

Jim was born in Hagerstown, Md., the son of the Isaac Gossard and Helen Elliott.

Jim graduated from Greencastle High School in 1942 and went to work in the family business, Chambersburg Motor Parts, until his enlistment in the U.S. Navy in 1943. After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1946, he returned to the family business, ultimately retiring from there as managing partner.

Bettye was born in Greencastle, Pa., the daughter of Earl Henson and Edith Henson. Bettye graduated from Greencastle High School and continued her education at Washington County Hospital School of Nursing in Hagerstown, Md. Bettye fulfilled her childhood dream working as a nurse and was employed at Waynesboro (Md.) Hospital until her son was born. Years later, she worked as office manager for her husband’s auto parts business until their retirement. Bettye loved traveling, cooking, cats, and, most of all, spending time with her family and friends.