Betty Ann Gilbertson

Betty Ann Gilbertson peacefully joined her Lord and Saviour on August 9, 2025. The love of family and friends was a constant presence in her life.

Born on October 8, 1936, in Tracy, Minnesota to John and Margaret Steinberg, Betty was a cherished daughter who grew up in a family that owned a creamery and ran a lake resort. Her adventurous spirit led her to Dallas, where she quickly became the beloved "Fun Aunt" to her nieces and nephews.

She lived life to the fullest, moving closer to downtown Dallas and enjoying her time working at a jewelry store before climbing the ladder at New York Life to a successful career in investment banking. She witnessed history as President John F. Kennedy's motorcade passed by before his tragic assassination and even had a brief encounter with Jack Ruby.

Betty found the love of her life, Don Gilbertson, and they married within a few months. They moved to Tacoma, Washington, where she continued her investment banking career at the National Bank of Washington and Pacific National Bank. She was a trailblazer, fighting for and winning equal pay before it became a widespread movement.

Her dedication extended beyond her career. She became the local elementary school secretary and was deeply involved in her family life. She volunteered for the Community Justice Board, helping juveniles and their families find alternatives to incarceration. Her devotion to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was unwavering.

Faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was always actively involved in her church. She participated in Bible Fellowship Group International for many years. She served as a Deacon and Elder; she and Don co-led a small group ministry, and she started a greeting card ministry at both Parkway Presbyterian in Tacoma and Rejoice Lutheran in Coppell.

She and Don were blessed to live in the “Gilbertson” zone, sharing many of life’s most significant moments with these family members. In retirement, they enjoyed spending more time on their boat, camping with family and friends. She had the opportunity to travel to Europe and Hawaii with her sister in-law funded by their unique card game. She had many hobbies, including sewing, crafting, cross-stitching, reading, and making greeting cards, often saying prayers for the recipients of these as she made them.

Betty touched the lives of everyone she met with her kind heart and joyful spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and dedication. We know she is now our guardian angel, watching over us with a smile. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her husband of 62 years, Don Gilbertson. children Bev Lynch, Garet Sanchez, Marty Gilbertson, Vicky Billingsley (Mike), and Deann Badura (Brad). Grandchildren Frankie Gilbertson, Carrie Gilbertson, Michael Billingsley (Katy), Nicole Cook (Paul), Chris Billingsley (Amy), Cole Cutright (Joe), Madison Badura and Lauren Badura. Great Grandchildren Micah & Liam Billingsley, Bradley & Abigail Cook, and Annistyn, Hudson, and Grayson Billingsley. Numerous loved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by parents John and Margaret Steinberg, sister Ruth Fraser (Wes), sister Mary Louise Steinberg, and brother Lee Steinberg (Elaine), grandson David Gilbertson, and daughter in law, Wanda Gilbertson.

Please join in a celebration of her life held on September 6th at 12:00 pm at Rejoice Lutheran Church, 532 E Sandy Lake Road, Coppell, TX 75019.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Rejoice Lutheran Church for Audio equipment for the hearing impaired, or other ministries of your choice in her name. Donations can be made here (please specify Betty Gilbertson) https://www.rejoicelutheran.org/give

The memorial service can be live-streamed on the Rejoice Lutheran Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/rejoicelutheran.church.1