Elizabeth "Betty" Widman

Elizabeth "Betty" Widman


Dates

April 12, 1937 - June 2, 2022

Obituary

Elizabeth “Betty” Widman, 85, of Mitchell, SD, died Thursday, June 2, 2022, at her home under hospice care in Mitchell. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 6:30 PM scripture service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Betty Widman was born to Emmett and DeLonde Healy in the farmhouse her grandfather built near Pukwana, South Dakota. She graduated from Pukwana High School in 1955 and from South Dakota State University in 1959 with a degree in Home Economics Education.

Betty married Paul Widman of DeSmet in 1959, and together they had five children.

Betty taught Home Economics at General Beadle Campus High in Madison, Custer High School and Mitchell High and Middle Schools. She served as FCCLA chapter advisor and SD FHA/HERO Advisor. She received honorary memberships to the state and Mitchell chapters of South Dakota Future Career & Community Leaders of America and was awarded Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Outstanding Young Women of America, SDVHETA Vocational Teacher of the Year, SDVHETA Arch of Fame, Outstanding Teacher of Mitchell Schools, SD Outstanding Vocational Home Economics Teacher of the Year, and Honored Women Educators of South Dakota.

Betty was an active member of her professional organizations serving on several state and national committees. Her favorites included the awards and legislative committees. She served as president of South Dakota Association of Family and Consumer Science Teacher’s Division, president of South Dakota Association of Career and Technical Association, and delegate to several national meetings.

She served on the SDSU Advisory Council, SDSU Alumni Association Board and SD State Curriculum Council. She was honored with its Distinguished Alumnus Award and SDSU Alumni Leadership/Service Award.

Betty was active in local politics and served as Democratic National Committee Woman and Precinct Committee Woman.

4-H was a big part of her life, as a member, leader and clothing judge at county and state fairs. She served on the 4-H Leaders’ Executive Board and SD 4-H Foundation Board. She was awarded the South Dakota State 4-H Alumni Award.

Betty is survived by her husband, Paul; children, Cindy Marshall, Susan (David) Erstad, Shelly (Vance) Moorman, Richard (Jennifer), and Mark (LeAnn); eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; brothers, James and John Healy; sister, Mary Williams; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert; and nephew, Bart Healy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to SD State 4-H Office Donations, Box 2207E SAG109, Brookings, SD 57007.

 


Visitation(s)

Date
Tuesday, June 7, 2022
Time
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location
6:30 PM Scripture Service

Bittner Funeral Chapel
805 W Havens Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301

Service

Date
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Time
10:30 AM
Location
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
1401 W Cedar Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301

Cemetery

Calvary Cemetery
Mitchell, SD


Posted by Carol Birgen on June 22, 2022
I am sorry I could not attend services. Betty was a driving force! She was a positive influence on the lives of many- including mine. Thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Barb Goldammer on June 11, 2022
I didn’t have Betty as a teacher; however I knew her from my job. She was a customer. She was a true lady and a wonderful person. I always enjoyed our visits.
You all have my deepest sympathies. She will be greatly missed.
Posted by Deb Young on June 8, 2022
Betty was a wonderful person as well as a great educator. She taught me how to sew and cook and later in life went to the same political Democrat meetings with me. She always loved to lead as well as listen. I do remember the twinkle in her eyes as well. She will be greatly missed. May peace be with all of her family!
Posted by Helen Heiter on June 8, 2022
Sorry for your loss Paul and Family= prayers!,
Posted by Gail kjenstad on June 8, 2022
Prayers to the Widmanfamily.
Posted by Arleen & Jim Raysor on June 7, 2022
I am Betty's California cousin. We saw some of each other as youngsters but only occasionally as adults and not at all in later years. I remember my visits to SD with family & fun times with Betty & her siblings. I had a nice phone visit with her just a day or two before she died. I'm so sorry I didn't get to know her family. I know she will be missed by all her knew her. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. Arleen & her husband Jim
Posted by Jim & Julie McCord on June 7, 2022
Our relationship with Betty ran deep as the Geppert family and the Healy families were long time friends so it seemed natural that Julie and Betty were close as we taught FACS together-
A very special lady who will always be dear to us. Our deep sympathies to Paul and the family💕🙏
Posted by Fauna Kappenman on June 7, 2022
She was my favorite teacher. Over the years we wound run into each other and have a good visit.
Posted by Alfred and Deanna Rude on June 7, 2022
Our deepest sympathy to you. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Karen Harrington on June 6, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Betty's passing! I enjoyed teaching with Betty and will always remember the smile that was always on her face! Thoughts and prayers go out to Paul and the family!
Posted by Jerry Luckett on June 6, 2022
Betty was a wonderful teacher and such a kind person. She taught my children and always stopped and spoke when I saw her. She and my mom were friends and my grandmother. I am sure they welcomed her with open arms when she got to Heaven.
Posted by Brigitte Brucklacher on June 6, 2022
As a fellow FACS teacher, I always admired Betty! She was an amazing role model and mentor to me as a young FACS teacher starting in 1985. She was a class act and setting the bar high in our profession. My condolences to her loved ones.
Posted by Jen Larsen on June 5, 2022
Betty touched many lives. True example of a leader who made a difference. My sympathy to her family.
Posted by Terry Sullivan on June 5, 2022
Betty will always be remembered as one of South Dakota's finest vocational/technical educators, a builder of change within her profession and a consummate professional and friend to all. Prayers and blessings to her wonderful family.
Posted by Kelly Olson on June 4, 2022
Susan and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by Mary Ann Van Wassenhove on June 4, 2022
Dear Mark and Family as you celebrate your Mother's life and mourn her passing, know that you are in my heart and prayers. My deepest sympathy.
Posted by Mary (Carlson) Larson on June 4, 2022
"Mom" Widman was such a gift to me when I visited Shelly on college breaks. Always welcoming me to their home (425 S. Montana, I think??) and treating me like an adopted daughter. She was a ray of sunshine. Always smiling, always laughing and living life to the fullest. The world was a much better place because of her! Hugs to the Widman family.
Posted by Gayle Kappenman Meehan on June 4, 2022
She was a great neighbor, teacher and 4-H leader. My sympathy goes out her family and friends. God bless and prayers being sent to you.
Posted by Gary and Kay Shafer on June 4, 2022
We send our Sympathy to the Betty Widman family. May all the Memories of life with her bring you Peace & Comfort all these days. A conversation with Betty was oh so enlightening, she was a charming lady with class. We send our prayers and loving thoughts.

The loss of a mother can never be replaced, but the love of a mother can never be lost
Posted by sara tackett on June 4, 2022
I had her as teacher she was a wonderful teacher n I love how she Was dedicated to her students it Her class
Posted by Renée and Tom Berg on June 3, 2022
We started teaching in 1987 and were blessed to be co workers of Betty’s. She was professional, spunky and wise. She encouraged us in our teaching profession and as we started a family. Heaven gained a very classy dame.
Posted by Jan Quenzer on June 3, 2022
I was so sorry to hear that Betty became so ill and learned of her dying. Betty was such a lovely soul.
Posted by Kristy Vobr on June 3, 2022
I had her as a teacher at the high School she was my homemade teacher Rip Betty Widman !!! She's going be missed!!
Posted by Bryce Healy on June 3, 2022
Beautiful woman who sent me back on the bus to Pukwana!!
Posted by Yvonne Erstad on June 3, 2022
Sending sympathy and hugs to all he Widman families.
Posted by The Achterkirch Family on June 3, 2022
Susan and Family ---- We’re so very sorry for your loss. Our family will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers - and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember your mother. Love and Hugs!
Posted by Elwin & Rosalie Hohn on June 3, 2022
Our deepest sympathy to the Widman families.
Posted by Kay Coffield Pearson on June 2, 2022
Betty and I go back to 1955 - South Dakota State University. Many good times- and many laughs - over the years. I'll miss you Betty.
Posted by Catina Kost, Laurendeau on June 2, 2022
Words can not express the loss of such an amazing woman. She was one of my mentors in life, as a student and as an adult she was a great friend and I will miss our long talks.
Posted by Tammy Schoenfelder Koellner on June 2, 2022
Mark and family:
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers of peace and comfort.
Posted by Shelly Knigge on June 2, 2022
She was the best Home Ec teacher, Always smiling and happy.
Posted by Luke Nagel on June 2, 2022
Awesome teacher I had her in middle school 6th grade
Posted by Gary & Sandy Butterfield on June 2, 2022
So sorry to hear about Betty. She was a wonderful neighbor and teacher
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