Betty D. Nelson, 84, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2009 at her home in Spearfish, SD.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at United Methodist Church in Spearfish with Pastor Dar Berkenpas officiating.
Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

A memorial has been established.

Betty was born April 11, 1924 to Carl and Christine (Sigurdson) Carlson in Coleharbor, North Dakota. She was raised and attended school in Coleharbor, graduating from high school in 1942. She then graduated from Minot State College in 1944 with a teaching certificate and taught briefly before returning to Minot State College to obtain a bachelor's degree in 1948. Betty married Arthur W. Nelson on August 20, 1950 in Coleharbor. To this union three children were born; Beth, Penny and Trent. She taught school at Underwood, ND, Minot, ND, Ashley, ND and Mankato, MN, before moving to Spearfish, SD in 1968. While in Spearfish, Betty taught first grade for twenty years. Betty was a past president of P.E.O., a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Faculty Wives and AAUW. She served her church faithfully and enjoyed giving to others through church activities. She was an avid college basketball fan and shared this passion with her twin sister, Bev. Betty's greatest joy was her family. The Christian example she set for her family and friends will forever be remembered. She lived what she believed.

Grateful to have shared her life are her three children, Beth (Rob) Bentley of Spearfish, Penny Bray of Chaska, MN, and Trent (Serena) Nelson of Gallatin, TN, six grandchildren, her twin sister Bev (Warren) Lindblom of Overland Park, KS. Other family members and friends will also miss the joy of her presence in their lives.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur and two brothers, Carl Carlson and Don Carlson.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels & Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at: www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com