Elizabeth "Betty" Zoe Truman Townsend, 82, passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center, holding her daughter Donna's hand.

Betty was born to Maurice and Margaret (Shaykett) Truman on May 29, 1938.  Along with her siblings, Butch and Barb, she grew up and attended schools in the Belle Fourche area.  She graduated from Belle Fourche High School in 1956.

In October of 1964, Betty was united with Robert "Bob" Townsend. To this union they each brought four children,  Tom, Donna, Lori and Bobbi Evans and Richard, Emily, Tina and David Townsend.  In 1966 Jodi was born completing their family.

They made their home in Upton Wyoming for many years and traveled often to Rapid City to see Betty's parents Maurice and Margaret, and to the Townsend family ranch at Clareton Wyoming to visit Bob's children, mother Ruby and sister Lois.  They attended many high school sporting events, band and choir concerts, Raider Rarities and Job's Daughters functions with their kids.

Later they moved to Newcastle, Clareton, Custer and Hill City, eventually moving back to Newcastle, where Betty lived until she was moved to The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center due to health issues.  Betty worked as a waitress, cook and bartender.  She also worked at the hospital in Newcastle and t-shirt shop in Hill City.  In her spare time she made wedding flowers and floral arrangements for various occasions.  She loved to sew and crochet and always had a project she was working on.  Betty was a Lioness and a member of the ladies extension group.  She was a very social person and made many friends through the years.  She was kind and caring and would do whatever she could to help you out.  A quick trip to the grocery store may turn into an hour or two depending on who she ran into! She always taught us that no matter what, there is always room for one more!

Betty is survived by her children, Tom (June) Evans and Richard (Sandy) Townsend of Gillette WY,  Donna (Larry) Buurma of Rapid City SD, Emily Hill of Harrold SD,  Lori (Ralph) Conklin and Bobbi Henry of Cottage Grove OR,  Jodi (Tony) Milner of Dubois ID.  She was known as 'Granny' to numerous grandkids, great and great-great grandkids, each of whom she was so proud and loved so very much.  She had several nieces and nephews, and a sister-in-law, Lois Townsend of Rapid City SD.

She is preceded in death by her husband Robert "Bob" Townsend; parents Maurice and Margaret Truman; brother Maurice (Butch) Truman; sister Barbara Straw;  son David Townsend; daughter Norene "Tina" Carlin and three grandsons, Andrew "A.J."  Brooks, William Wilcox, and Corbin Hill.

The family is planning to hold services later this year.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com