Betty Dalton
March 22, 1924 ~ September 21, 2017
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Elizabeth Gertrude “Betty” Dalton, 93, of Pierre, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 21, 2017 at The Pierre Care and Rehab Facility in Pierre.
Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller. Burial followed at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Miller. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 25, 2017 with a 7:00 p.m., prayer service, all at the church.
Betty was born on March 22, 1924 in Polo, South Dakota to Gerhard and Josephine (Hemetsberger) Martinmaas. Betty graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Mitchell, SD in 1944. She continued her education by attending summer school and night classes at Northern State University, South Dakota State University, Augustana College and Huron College where she graduated in 1971 with a BA degree in Education. Betty married Forrest Dalton, her husband of 73 years on September 6, 1944. After moving to Highmore, SD, Betty began her teaching career. Over the next 16 years, the couple welcomed 8 children into their home and Betty set about teaching them her love of life. Betty’s children remember her as a kind and gentle mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals.
Betty was a dedicated teacher, spending 24 years teaching at country schools in Hand and Hyde Counties. Betty spent the next 17 years teaching in Mound City and Pollock, SD, retiring in 1988. She was a caring individual who loved children and who was passionate about educating students. She was especially proud and fond of her 16 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren. Betty was an accomplished organist who enjoyed playing for family and friends. She also enjoyed bowling, gardening and crafts. Betty was an active and dedicated member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Eureka, SD where she was an active member of the Altar Society.
Betty is survived by her husband, Forrest of Pierre; children: Patricia (Charles) Thell of Freeport, MN, Char (Larry) Morton of Laurel, MT, Lynette (Ron) Bousquet of Broken Arrow, OK, Forrest Jr. of Tulsa, OK, Cindy (Lawayne) Egeberg of Hazen, ND, Anita (Jim) Dornbusch of Pierre, and Tim of Eureka; 16 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and 10 great-great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Terry Allen; two infant sons; a son-in-law, Ron Bousquet; grand-son, Mitch Morton; great grand-daughter, Rachel Morton; great-great granddaughter, Elizabeth VanCleave; and 8 brothers and sisters.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Pierre Care and Rehab Facility for the care and love they showed Betty for the last 6 years.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Betty's arrangements.
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Sending thots and prayers to you all — I remember your mom as a vibrant, smiling, happy lady! God Bless you all!
Betty always had that smile. She must have been an awesome teacher. Sorry I can’t be there for her celebration of life. We are in Az. now. But you are in our prayers. Joan
I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing your Mom is never easy no matter how old we sre. Lifting all of you in prayer, ssking for God’s comfort and peace to strengthen you during the days ahead.
Betty was just the best, such a sweet soul, I will miss her greatly!
I took many college classes with Betty as we both acquired credits towards our degrees. Betty was always very pleasant and worked very hard.
I’m so….so sorry for your loss…. Betty was a very special lady….a kind and caring soul….. I’m glad i had the pleasure of knowing her!!! Rest in peace lil lady….
Really glad I got to meet you betty going to miss you very much RIP Sweet lady
Betty & Forrest made my sister, Nancy, & me a great room during part of our high school years. They fixed u their porch so we could stay together. Such a special couple to both of us.
I only know Pat, but after reading the obituary, I can see where Pat’s kind heart has come from. God Bless your family.
I Will Miss You Betty Don’t keep the Angles waiting . Sorry for Your Loss Forrest and Family . Hugs and prayers 🙁
So Sorry for your Loss. Prayers sent for Betty’s family and friends
Betty was such a wonderful, amazing, kind and caring person. She always had a smile that would light up the room. Her love of her children, husband and family always present and foremost yet she had a great love for God, country and extended family and strangers alike. I quite fondly recall times spent with her and Uncle Forrest when they would come to visit us in Wolsey and when I lived in Aberdeen. Such wonderful people the both of them. She will be greatly missed. To her kids and to her grandchildren. I was so deeply saddened to read of her passing in the paper late this week. Losing your mom is one of the hardest times of ones life. Always remember…that she is in the light and her light lives on in each of you.
I was fortunate to have had Betty (always Mrs. Dalton to me) for my teacher thru 6th grade in a one room country school. Such wonderful memories of days gone by at Dewey School. She was such a wonderful teacher, and a very classy lady. I cannot imagine how many lives she touched thru her long career teaching. My thoughts and prayers to her family, she was a special lady.
My deepest sympathy to family and friends. Aunt Betty was such a joy to be around. So full of life and fun! My Pop (Tony) would light up when his sisters came to Oregon and they were all such fun! I loved it when Aunt Betty would sit down at a piano and play and we’d all sing along! There was always laughter and joy when they came. I imagine there is an awesome reunion in heaven! Love to you all!
Deepest sympathy on the passing of Betty–she was a very special lady. My memories of her are of seeing her tend to her garden in Eureka, and the special times visiting with her and Forrest at their house. My Mom (Arlene Aman) is especially saddened–Forrest and Betty were very kind and caring neighbors; she has been missing them so much over the years. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So Sorry to hear the passing of our Sweet Aunt. She will forever be remembered in our hearts.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am Lorraine Martinmaas”s brother
Was sad to hear this news. Had a very nice visit with her and Forrest when my mother was in the home there in Pierre. My condolences.
Betty, you taught me at grade school in Holabird and once I graduated eighth grade, I used to race Forest to Highmore every morning until one day Forest and Dad were talking and Forest told Dad "that Buick will really run", have a heck of a time beating him.