Christian Biography of Betty Hansen

Betty Mariane Mickelsen Hansen, the daughter of Soren and Karen (Larsen) Mickelsen, was born on January 5, 1914 near Hardy, Nebraska. She passed away to her eternal home on September 23, 2015 in Gretna, Nebraska.

Betty was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Ruskin, Nebraska. She was the second oldest daughter of eight children. Betty received her 10th grade diploma from Weimer Country School. After 10th grade, she stayed home one year to help with farming and care for her younger siblings. During this time, she also took her teaching exam. Betty graduated from Hardy High School in 1932.

Betty received nurse's training and employment at Immanuel Hospital in Omaha following her high school graduation. In 1933, she took a position teaching at Ox Bow Country School. Other jobs Betty held during her lifetime were as follows: a Grey Lady in Superior during WWII, a cook for the Ruskin Public Schools, and a bookkeeper for her husband's John Deere Implement dealership in Ruskin.

On December 31, 1933, Betty married Harvey Hansen in Scandia, Kansas, eloping with Vita Goldbeck and Chris Houtwed. The marriage was kept a secret for several months to prevent Betty from being forced to resign her teaching position at Ox Bow. To this union one child was born – Don LaVon in 1936.

Betty and Harvey were engaged in farming the home place three miles east of Cadams. In 1946, Harvey and his father, Jens C. Hansen, went into partnership with John Deere Implement, Ruskin. Betty was actively involved with bookkeeping and customer service until the dealership was sold to Byron Implement in 1970. Betty lived in Ruskin for sixty-four years until her move in 2010 to Courtyard Terrace in Hebron. In 2012, she moved to Silver Ridge Assisted living in Gretna.

Betty was dearly loved by all who knew her. She had a joyful and contagiously cheerful demeanor that brought a smile to everyone's face. Betty was blessed with great health and a memory that was sharper than those half her age. She always had a story to tell and was up for any sort of adventure. She loved her family and Jesus Christ her Savior, constantly encouraging others in their life. Betty will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harvey in 1992; sisters Myrta and Martha; brothers Alvin, William, Armond and Glenn; daughter-in-law Arnette in 1990.

Survivors include her son Don and his wife Grace, Gretna, Nebraska; two grandchildren Leisha (Larry) Timm, Springfield, Nebraska; and Todd (Robyn) Hansen, Omaha, Nebraska. Eight great grandchildren Jamie (Clint) Veren, Jennifer (Brent) Jackson, and Julie Timm; Taylor, Scott, Trevor, Kourtney and Kyle Hansen. Four great-great grandchildren Barrett, Brogan, and Janea Jackson; and Caden Veren; sister Christine Thomas of Logan, Utah; sister-in-law Donna Mickelsen of Superior, Nebraska; 19 nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Monday, September 28, 2015 at 10:30 am from the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ruskin, Nebraska with Rev. Noel Peterson and Pastor Chris Hjelmstad officiating.

Music was "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," "How Great Thou Art," "Softly and Tenderly," and "It Is Well With My Soul," with Ruby Petersen and the accompanist and Judy Mikkelsen as the soloist.

Pallbearers were Todd Hansen, Larry Timm, Brent Jackson, Clint Veren, Wayne Kaldahl, and Cliff Sorensen. Honorary Pallbearers were Dick Cramer, Terry Mickelsen, Arlen Mickelsen, Steve Breault, and Steve Cramer.

Interment was in the Spring Creek Cemetery at Ruskin, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to go to Bethany Lutheran Church

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.