1927 – Betty Lou Widboom – 2019
Betty Lou Widboom (Ellingson) was born on October 7, 1927, in Sanborn County, Forestburg, South Dakota to John and Mary Alta Ellingson. When she was young, Betty and her sister, Butchy went to California to work in an airplane factory. The women were called Rosie the Riveters. On December 28, 1949, she and Harold Widboom were married at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Following their marriage, they farmed in Mason Township. Betty worked as the secretary for many years at the Slayton High School. In 1976, they moved to Lake Benton, MN where Betty sold insurance. In 1986 they moved back to Slayton, Minnesota. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she was the choir director. She enjoyed writing short stories and had some articles published in the local newspaper. She started a chapter of the Sweet Adelines in Slayton. To the joy of the residents of Good Samaritan Home, she played piano and sang on occasion. Betty died on Friday, January 11, 2019, at Good Samaritan Home in Pipestone, Minnesota.
Survivors include five children and spouses: Patrick Widboom and fiancée Elfreda Jellum, Elko, MN, Fred and Joan Widboom, Slayton, MN, Guin Case, Des Moines, IA, Thomas Widboom, Wabasha, MN and Melissa and Bill Greer, Crosby, MN; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and one sister Dee Harris, Danville, PA. She was preceded in death by her husband; parent; one sister; two brothers and a daughter-in-law Karen.
The family is planning a private memorial next summer. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com
