Betty Kay Gayley

Betty grew up on a farm near Dailey, Colorado along with her younger sister, Sharon. She graduated from Fleming High School in 1954 in Fleming, Colorado and went on to attend Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa for one year. She married Rev. Richard Gayley on September 3, 1955. Their marriage was blessed with two children: James and Donna. Betty and Richard divorced in 1980.

Betty was the librarian at Broken Bow Jr. High School from 1970 - 1976, and was also the first sex education teacher at the Sr. High School at a time when this topic was controversial. After moving to Lincoln, Betty began serving as a residential manager for group homes for developmentally disabled children and adults through Lancaster County Behavioral Health/Developmental Services (previously LOMR) and Community Alternatives. She considered this to be her life's calling and she served in this capacity from 1976 - 2001. While working at LOMR, Betty went back to school to pursue a degree in teaching. She graduated from University of Nebraska - Lincoln with her B.A. in 1984. When she retired in 2001, she went on to work as a teacher's aide at Messiah Lutheran School until 2017.

In 1981, Betty began dating the love of her life, Steven Sloggett and they lived together for 40 years. Affectionately known as "Stever," he immediately became part of Betty's family and served as a surrogate grandparent to Betty's three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Betty and Steve enjoyed traveling together to Steve's bowling tournaments across the U.S., and when they were at home in Lincoln, they hosted countless family members, friends, and neighbors on their front porch. They were married on November 19, 2021 in their best sweatpants in their living room by their granddaughter, Emily.

Betty's passion for caring for the developmentally disabled led her to serve as a house-mother, a citizen's advocate and guardian from 1968 - 2020. During her free time, Betty enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, collecting Charles Wysocki artwork and lighthouses, and reading from her large library.

After Steve's passing in 2021, Betty moved into the assisted living facility in Bailey Pointe. She became close friends with her tablemates and many of the staff members.

She is survived by son, James; daughter, Donna (Steve) Spearman; grandchildren, Kiah (Melissa) Gayley, Emily (Stephen) Spearman Cannon, and Colton (Carly) Spearman; great-grandchildren, Derek and Devin Gayley, Evelyn and Iris Cannon, Hannah, Elise, and Aliana Spearman; sister, Sharon (Paul) Weber; a host of nieces and nephews; along with many cherished neighbors and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Steven; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Gayley.

A celebration of life for Betty will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Christ United Methodist Church, 4530 A Street, Lincoln, NE. lincolnfh.com