Betty Jane Nelson

Betty Jane Nelson, 80, passed away Monday, April 20, 2026 at Western Horizons Care Center in Hettinger, ND. 

Betty's memorial service was held on Saturday, April 25, at the American Lutheran Church in Bison, SD, officiated by Vicar Jen Seffrood. 

Betty Jane (Vetter) Nelson was born on January 21, 1946 to Francis and Luella Vetter and passed away peacefully April 20, 2026 at Western Horizons Care Center Hettinger ND.

She grew up on their ranch South of town and loved riding her horse Queen along with her own shadow as her friend. Betty was the big sister to her “Big Little Bro” Randy and her little sister Tamara.

Betty was united in marriage to Gerald Nelson on June 13, 1964. One year later on the exact date Russel Dean was born and 2 years later Penny Jean arrived. They lived on Ridgeview Rd farming, ranching, and established Grandma’s boot camp. Everyone of her grandchildren at some point was told “You can do it, you can do it”.

When they moved to town she was the janitor for GEC/WRCTC several years and then she started her own cleaning/painting business. She was a very detailed cleaner with a toothbrush and rag in her back pocket, wasn’t afraid to tell you like it was, and she never met a stranger because by the time she was done talking you were her new friend.

When it was time to retire they spent their winters in Arizona and summers back down at the ranch. Due to her health and Jerry’s passing she moved to town and then later lived with Penny and her family. The last year and a half she was blessed to be cared for by all the great people of WHCC earning her name of “Queen B”.

This year was her 80th birthday and she celebrated with all 6 of her grandchildren and several great grandkids which was her pride and joy.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, parents Frank and Lue, In Laws Earl, Irene, Stub, and brother Randy.

She is survived by Russel and his children Johanna (Jeremy), Betsy (John), Gerald, and Alexis (Donny) along with the great-grandkids McKenzie (Isaac), Zander, Landri, Allie, (Carmen) CC, Adrian, Kayden, Jazmine, Joanna, Flynn, and Brecken.

Penny and her children BreAnn (Tanner), Gavin and her great grandchildren Tegan and Baelyn. Her sister Tami (Chuck), sister-In-Laws Rose (Duane) Buckmeier, Diane Vetter and several nieces and nephews.