Betty Jean Stern

Betty Jean Stern 8/4/1932 – 2/27/15 Betty passed away peacefully in her home after a courageous two year battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, LeRoy Jacob Stern (5/3/28 – 8/16/11). Betty is survived by daughters, Heide Maize (Ron), Nancy Anderson (Eric) and Sonia Niebergall (Pete): grandchildren, Connor and Carly Anderson and Zach, Savannah and Stephanie Niebergall; sister, Corinne Widmer of Parkston, SD, and sisters in law Ev Walker of Tucson, Arizona, Jenny Stern of Fair Oaks, California, Maxine Christensen of Hurley, S.D. and four nieces and a nephew. Born in Freeman, SD to Edna and Erhardt Koerner, Betty graduated from Freeman HS in 1950 and married LeRoy Stern in 1953. After being a full-time homemaker for many years, Betty began working part-time at Key Bank in 1976 and continued for 17 years. She was active as a volunteer in the Care –To- Share Organization where she served as Grant Writer, Foundation Board Member and event organizer. Her passions were sewing and then quilting in later years. She hosted her Church Knot Tier’s group which made approximately 28 quilts a year to donate to the Battered Women Shelter. She was active in outreach ministries most recently at Prince of Peace Lutheran church. She and Roy made sausage and helped their churches host many Oktoberfests. She was the first to volunteer and the last to leave. Betty was known for her tireless energy and ability to outwork ANYONE! Betty enjoyed sewing, baking, quilting, crafting, music and care taking. She was an artist both as a painter and a seamstress. She enjoyed family celebrations (with lots of ice cream) and travel abroad with Roy. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and she left a strong imprint on those she left behind. Viewing will be from 9:30 to 11:30 AM, Saturday, March 14 at Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary. A memorial service will be at 2:30 PM, Saturday , March 14, 2015 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Donations may be made to Care to Share Organization, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.