Elizabeth "Betty" Widman

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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.

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