Betty Kjellberg

Betty J. Kjellberg Betty Jill (Ferguson) Kjellberg, 63, of Scottsdale passed away Dec. 11, 2010, at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center after a short battle with cancer. A life long learner known for her effervescent personality and positive outlook, Betty was adored by her family and wide circle of friends. A passionate supporter of libraries and non-profits, she mentored many colleagues in those fields, embracing all viewpoints and sharing her knowledge and common sense. Betty was born in Lynwood, CA, and raised in Alhambra by mother Virginia Ferguson Wanderman and step father Herb Wanderman.

Overcoming the challenge of polio contracted at age 7, she earned a bachelors degree in biology from California State University-Los Angeles and a masters in library science from the University of Southern California. She met Tim Kjellberg on a blind date and in a year moved to Arizona to be with him. They married Dec. 8, 1973, in the Superstition Mountains.

Betty worked for Good Samaritan Medical Center for 15 years, first as director of its health science library and later as administrator of medical staff services. She was executive director of the Arizona Psychological Association for 10 years and the International Association of Facilitators for two years. She started her consulting firm, Association Solutions LLC, in 1998 and specialized in helping non-profit associations organize and find their paths to success. Ever a student of new subjects, Betty also earned an MBA from Arizona State University and a masters in aviation management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She was a member of the Arizona Society of Association Executives, Medical Library Association, Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library, Arizona Pilots Association and Scottsdale Leadership Class VIII, among other groups. She founded By the Book, a book club with members around Arizona; obtained her single-engine pilots license; cherished the family dogs, Isaac and Sally; and enthusiastically pursued her hobbies of reading, genealogy and quilting.

Survivors include her husband; brother, Al (Ellie) Ferguson; stepbrother, Jim Wanderman; brother-in-law, Tom (Teri) Kjellberg; 7 nieces and nephews; and 10 great-nieces and great-nephews. Private services were held Dec. 12. Memorials may be made to North Ridge Community Church, Cave Creek; Friends of the Scottsdale Public Library; or Polio Echo Inc., Phoenix.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences by visiting the online obituary Guest Book at www.obits.azcentral.com