Dorothy Ann (Nelson) Betts
Apr 29, 1925 – Feb 4, 2017
Dorothy Ann (Nelson) Betts was born in Omaha Nebraska on April 29, 1925. She lived in Millard all her life, and was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Dorothy attended Millard Public Schools, graduating in 1943 in a class of 11 students. She graduated in 1947 from Iowa State University, where she was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority, majoring in the field of Home Economics, specializing in Institutional Management.
Dorothy returned home to marry Elmer Betts from Elkhorn, Nebraska. They lived on a farm near Millard, which later became Oak Hills Country Club in 1967. Dorothy was a homemaker, raising two children, Grove and Andrea. She also volunteered in Millard, and was a church organist for St. Paul’s for many years.
When her children went to UNL, Dorothy returned to college to obtain a Master’s Degree in Education. She taught Home Economics in Millard Public Schools, mostly at Millard South High, from 1968 until she retired in 1991. She loved teaching! She also enjoyed times with friends, playing cards (especially bridge), reading, sewing and quilting, and doing crossword puzzles. She and Elmer liked traveling, especially spending time in Europe with Danish relatives, and later winters in Phoenix. Dorothy and Elmer were married for over 60 years until he died in 2011.
Dorothy was known for her fashionable style of dressing, her strong opinions on most everything, and her tendency to say “fiddle dee dee” if she disagreed with someone. She died on February 4, 2017, after dealing with many years of Alzheimer’s. She will be greatly missed by all!
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer H. Betts; son, Grove E. Betts; brothers, Grove and William Nelson. She is survived by her daughter, Andrea Olson (Tom); grandchildren: Jennifer Alloway (Mitch), Michael Olson (Michelle), Dr. David Olson (Dr. Andrea), Grover Betts (Jen), and Wendy Kitchen (Scott); nine great-grandchildren: Kathryn, Jonathan, and Ryan Alloway, Thomas Olson, Emily Olson, Connor and Hadley Betts, Langden and Marshall Kitchen; daughter-in-law, Ronda Blakley; sisters-in-law, LuRee Nelson and Norma Nelson.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, Feb. 7th from 5pm to 7pm at the Bel Air Chapel. SERVICES Wednesday, Feb 8th at 10:30am, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Millard. Interment, Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association, St. Paul Lutheran Church, or charity of your choice.
6 Comments
I would like to pass along my sincere condolences to the family of Dorothy Betts. She was one of Millard South’s outstanding teachers. She touched so many lives and was very instrumental in directing her students toward their educational goals. She was always someone you could depend on to get a task done quickly and professionally. She was a good friend and I will always have fond memories of Dorothy Betts.. God Bless.
Stan Hale
I worked with your Dorothy when she was still in her home. We shared many Runza cheeseburgers together. I know how deeply she loved her family and how proud she was of you all. She shared her memories of you with me when she would receive a phone call. After hanging up she would tell me of the wonderful parties and fun times you shared. I know this long, long good bye cannot have been easy for any of you, but please know how much she loved you all.
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. I spent time with Dorothy at her home and at Parson’s House. I loved all the stories about the history of Millard (including dancing to the big bands at the ballroom), the farm, the golf course, playing piano at church, her teaching (especially one certain subject!), how she loved to show off her red car and most especially, her stories about all of you, her beloved family. We enjoyed many Runza cheeseburgers, bread and butter pickles, cheese and crackers and Diet Cokes together. We would sit and watch the golfers, look out the big windows and watch the seasons change and the colors of the trees change, too. Sometimes, I’d bring her flowers from my garden, and she’d let me pick out a pretty vase from the cabinet to put them in. She had a deep faith and it showed in her kindness and hospitality. Thank you for the privilege of letting me spend time with your loved one! God bless, Mary Beth Kriskey, caregiver
So very sorry for your loss, Betts family. I have many great memories of Dorothy Ann and Elmer, and I imagine there is a big Bridge game going on in Heaven right about now, and the women are accusing the men of cheating, as usual!! I remember many weekends spent at their house, or them coming to see my parents, and lots and lots of late nights, fun and laughs.
I took her home economics class. She took a genuine interest in her students and showed how much she cared about each student getting the start they needed in life. She was a joy to talk to outside of class as well and I’ve never forgotten her. My condolences to the family.
I went through school with Dorothy’s son, Grove. She was always so kind to all of us. She is missed.
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