Betty Jo Sutfin, 84, of Spearfish passed away on July 17th at North Memorial Hospice in Brooklyn Center, MN. Her family is grateful to the staff for their kindness and care during her stay at the Hospice.

Betty was born on July 14, 1927, in Rapid City, SD, to Ted and Nettie Butler. Her parents were sheep ranchers east of Faith, SD, during the depression, World War II and well into the late 40's. Betty. was the youngest child of five. Her father owned several ranches before settling on a ranch in Ziebach County, which contained Rattle Snake Butt, a prominent landmark. She always spoke of her affection for her brothers, Teddy, Elmer and Bryce, who cared for one another as they grew up on the prairie. An older sister, Frances, had left home too soon to be more than a fond memory.
Betty attended schools in Faith, Dupree, and Rapid City, oftentimes boarding in town with other families or staying with her friends. After high school, she received an associate degree from the National College of Business in Rapid City,

Betty moved back to Faith to work for the Soil Conservation Department, where she met and married Drew Sutfin. They made their home in Faith and Rapid City for a couple of years. After their first son David was born, Drew was called back to the Navy. Leaving South Dakota and family wasn't an easy decision. They moved to California and then to Hawaii, where Robert and Linda were born-her "blue-eyed, blond Hawaiians." Hawaii was a long way from home for a young mother. She didn't know when she would see her family next.

Betty enjoyed telling this story: Her mother, Nettie, became a world traveler after her husband's death. In the early 1950's, without notice she flew to Hawaii. Nettie called Betty from the Honolulu Airport telling her she needed a ride. Surprised, Betty rushed to the airport to pick up her mother. When she arrived she saw Nettle with her best friend in tow, each wearing a flower lei. Her mother's friend had decided to move to Hawaii. Nettie came along to see her daughter and family. Betty soon learned to not worry about being so far away. Families will find a way to come together.

Betty had made the transition to a military wife. Drew was frequently away on military assignments leaving her to care for their three children. The family packed up and moved more than 20 times. Much of the responsibility for organizing the family moves fell to her. In the early years there was no air conditioning, much less disposable diapers or hand held entertainment devices to keep the kids busy. She always found a way for the family to quickly settle into their new surroundings.

When Drew retired from the military, the family returned to Spearfish. Betty was home again. She made new friends and reunited with family and old friends, She worked part-time at Dunwoody's Jewelry Store for 15+ years and, in later years, volunteered at Spearfish Memorial Hospital. She was member of P.E.O. and a longtime member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Each morning she would open her curtains to look at Crow Peak. It reassured her that she was home.

In time, Betty and Drew purchased a condominium in Florida, where they spent their winter months. Betty made friends wherever she traveled. On returning to Spearfish, she looked forward to seeing her brothers, Elmer and Bryce, her sisters-in-law, their families and the extended families of the Butler's and Reed's. Her sister-in-law, Shirley Jean Butler, was a lifelong friend from Faith.

During moments of reflection Betty and Jean enjoyed laughing and
telling stories about each other, their boyfriends and all the trouble they got into. Jean will tell how they would miss nighttime curfews when Betty spent the night at her house. To avoid being late, Betty would move the hands on the cuckoo clock backwards before going out to give them extra time. Jean's parents quickly caught on to trick when the cuckoo's strike didn't match their watches. Soon thereafter Betty, much to her embarrassment, was caught as she was changing the clock.

After Drew passed away in 2007, Betty lived with her children, returning to Spearfish each year to renew her spirit at the sight of Crow Peak and take solace in the company of her friends and family. Betty is returning, one last time, to Crow Peak and the embrace of those who loved her,

She was a loving wife, and a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was blessed with three children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A great sadness for Betty was the unexpected death of her granddaughter, Dru Sjodin, who she dearly loved. Losing Dru would always weigh heavily on her heart.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister and brothers, and Dru.

She is survived by David and Carol Sutfin, Falls Church, VA, and grandson, Jon, Los Angeles, CA; Robert Sutfin and Diane McGuire, and grandchildren Lauren, Joseph, and Brice, Shorewood, MN; and, Linda (Sutfin) and Sid Walker, Pequot Lakes, MN, and grandchild Sven Sjodin, his wife Melinda, and five great grandchildren Caleb, Micah, Pierce, Priscilla and Katarina, Simi Valley, CA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to radKlDs organization, 9 New Venture Drive, Unit 4, South Dennis, MA 02660. The radKIDS® Personal Empowerment Safety Education Program provides essential decision-making skills for children to escape violence. Children from 5-12 years of age can participate in the program.

A celebration of Betty's life will be at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Spearfish, SD, at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 28 with burial next to Drew at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD. A reception will follow burial at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. All of her family and friends are invited.