ONEONTA - Charlotte Elizabeth Whitcher, known as Beth, died Friday January 7, 2011 at 9:15 P.M. at her home in Oneonta, New York at the age of 86.

Beth lived her life as a fiercely independent though caring woman. For many years a fixture in the horse raising community, she was the first to introduce and breed Morgan horses in New York (and occasionally sell when someone convinced her they would take sufficient care of the horses). She is remembered as well by generations who learned to ride horses at her riding academy.

In addition to being an accomplished horsewoman, Beth was long recognized for her athletic prowess. She played field hockey throughout her schooling, beginning in elementary school, and was an expert skier. She earned a bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Boston University. Though severe osteoarthritis left it a chore for her to even move and walk, Beth continued to ride her tractor and to take care of her farm nearly to the day of her death. In October, she fretted that delays in repairing her tractor made it difficult to complete the fall haying.

Beth is also remembered as a life member of the Oneonta Bowman's Club, situated near her farm on land which she donated for that purpose. Beth brought her burning desire to be independent into her political views and supported many causes that espoused values she felt consistent with individual freedoms. Though leading the life of a pioneer woman in spartan circumstances, living and dying in the log cabin she constructed with a friend in the 1960s, Beth maintained many relationships largely through mail correspondence. Many former neighbors and friends kept phone connections through the years.

Beth is remembered, loved, and admired by many relatives and friends and is survived by her brother, Dr. Charles E. Whitcher of Stanford, California.

The remembrance service, a time for family and friends to reflect on Beth's life, will begin at 10 a.m. calling hours will continue to Noon, on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820; www.cahpc.org

Online condolences may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, is serving the family.