Betty Wilson
Dates
July 8, 1945 - August 8, 2026Obituary
Betty Wilson, 81, of Mitchell, SD, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, August 12, at Bittner Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel.
Betty Jean (Bles) Wilson was born on July 8, 1945, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Albert and Hester (Hockey) Bles. She attended school in Ethan and graduated from Mitchell High School in 1964.
On August 12, 1966, Betty was united in marriage to Monte Wilson. Together, they built a life centered around family, love, and community.
In 1965, Betty earned her CNA license and began her career at Methodist Hospital. When her children were young, she lovingly ran a home daycare, caring for and nurturing children in her community. She later began her career at Firesteel Nursing Home, where she dedicated a remarkable 36 years of service.
Betty also owned and operated Wilson Estates for 20 years, demonstrating her strong work ethic, compassion, and dedication to those around her. She remained employed at Firesteel Nursing Home until the time of her passing, bringing her lifelong commitment to caring for others full circle. Betty’s greatest joy was her family.
Betty is survived by her loving husband of nearly 60 years, Monte Wilson; children, Mary (Steve) Rhoades of Plankinton, SD, Monte (Amy) Wilson of Burlington, WI, and Mark (Nanci) Wilson of Minot, ND; six grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; sister, Sarah (Marion) Hargens; brother-in-law, William (Deb) Wilson; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings.
Betty will be lovingly remembered for her caring heart, her devotion to her family, and the countless lives she touched through her years of caring for others. Her legacy will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and all those who were blessed to know her.
She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Betty’s memory to the Firesteel Activities Department.
Betty spent many years caring for others, and it would mean so much to her family to continue that legacy of kindness. Donations will help bring joy, comfort, and meaningful moments to the residents of Firesteel, creating memories and brightening their days in Betty’s honor.
Memorials may be sent to:
Firesteel Healthcare Center
Attn: Activities Department
Memo: In Memory of Betty W.
1120 E. 7th Ave.
Mitchell, SD 57301
Visitation(s)
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Bittner Funeral Chapel
805 W Havens Ave
Mitchell, SD
Service
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
10:30 AM
Bittner Funeral Chapel
805 W Havens Ave
Mitchell, SD
Cemetery
Graceland CemeteryMitchell, SD
I found out too late to attend any of the services and I am so sorry that I did not see you. Betty was the most caring and kind human being that I have ever known. She touched so many lives always putting everyone else first. She was a high school classmate of my sister so have known her since childhood. So many fond memories. Take care, you are all in my prayers.
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