Betty M. Nelson

Betty Nelson, 78, of Langdon, ND, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on October 7, 2023 at her home.

Betty Mae Robinson was born in Grafton, ND, on November 10, 1944, to Alex and Lillian (Nordstrom) Robinson. Betty was the oldest of three children. She attended school in Hamilton, ND, and graduated from Hamilton High School. Betty attended Mayville College for the secretarial program and met the love of her life, Howard Nelson. Betty loved spending time with her college friends and being a part of the theatre program at the college. Betty and Howard Nelson were united in marriage on June 26, 1964, in Hamilton, ND. Betty and Howard moved to Bowbells where Howie taught English and speech and coached basketball, and Betty worked for the local ASCS office. After a few years, Betty and Howie moved to Langdon, ND, where Betty worked for the ASCS offices in Cavalier and Langdon. Looking for a change, Betty started working for the nursing home, which took her on a wonderful journey for 34 years. Betty had many jobs during that time in serving and helping people - something Betty loved to do; she was a CNA, worked in the kitchen, ward clerk, and activities assistant, but the part of her job that she loved the most was the connection, joy, and admiration for those served and loved, the residents.

Betty loved and adored her many friends, and together, there were hundreds of card games played, numerous travel adventures, car rides to and from concerts, crafting sessions, group singing, and precious time spent together. She was an amazing bowler in her early married years and enjoyed being a part of her Circle at the church she loved, United Lutheran Church in Langdon. Betty was a lifelong Yankees fan.

Betty’s contagious smile and sparkling laugh, that oftentimes included a snort or two, is a memory that will be long-lasting, as well as the long-lasting memories of a mother dedicated to her family - especially her children and grandchildren. Betty would make all attempts to get to various sporting events, concerts, plays, operas, rugby matches, and important life events and was there to uplift, cheer on, and give her best Betty Mae hugs!

Betty and Howard were blessed with a daughter Rachael Dawn and three sons: Chris Howard, Garrett Matthew, and Michael David.      

Surviving Betty are her children: daughter Rachael (Brent) Buresh of Decorah, IA; sons: Garrett of Langdon, ND, and Michael of Brooklyn Center, MN; grandchildren: Madeline Marquardt, Aubrey (Precious) Osoba, Fiona Buresh, Brielle Buresh, Alyssa Nelson; brother Alan (Dorothy) Robinson; sister-in-law Rita Robinson; and brother-in-law Loren (Karen) Nelson. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Howie, son Chris, and brother Robert.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 13, 2023, at United Lutheran Church in Langdon, ND.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to Maple Manor Care Center in Langdon.