Betty Lou Betka

Betty L. Betka, daughter of Vern and Sarah (Kyker) Christiancy, was born June 12, 1928 and passed away peacefully at Fairview Manor March 5, 2026 at the age of 97. Betty grew up on a farm near Strang, Nebraska. She attended school in Strang with Wynona (Christiancy) Lechtenberger, her cousin and lifelong friend. She graduated from Geneva High School in 1946 and then earned a degree in home economics from the University of Nebraska. She taught school in Geneva for a year. Betty united in marriage to Eugene “Gene” Betka, on June 22, 1952. Betty remembers that during the wedding rehearsal, Eugene asked Rev. Werner if he could kiss the bride. Rev. Werner replied, “If you don’t, I will!” This is the year Betty joined the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Geneva where she remained an active member. Betty and Eugene lived on a farm near Burress where they raised corn, milo, wheat, hogs, sheep, and cattle. Betty drove a grain cart, helped with livestock, and grew big gardens. Eugene and Betty had two sons, Steven and Douglas. Betty substitute taught in Fairmont for a semester in 1963 and served on the Exeter School Board for several years. Betty served on several committees at the church and taught third grade Sunday school. After Eugene’s death, Betty moved to Geneva. She was in charge of funeral dinners at the church for many years. During the church’s Thanksgiving Dinner fundraiser, Betty was the “ham glaze expert” Betty also delivered meals on wheels, while continuing to raise a bountiful garden with a green thumb to get extra large tomatoes. Later in life, Betty’s grandsons and great grandchildren were her greatest joy. She was active in helping her grandsons Derek and Ryan prepare livestock for the Fillmore County fair. After waiting 81 years, she was thrilled to finally be blessed with girls in the family; great granddaughters Kayleigh, Kelsey, Kaitlyn, and Kierstyn and most recently the addition of great grandson Theodore. All were blessed to spend time together and learn from grandma’s hard work and wisdom and enjoy laughs from her quick wit. Betty was preceded in death by her parents Vern and Sarah, husband Eugene, sons Steven and Douglas and two siblings who passed away in childhood and infancy. Betty is survived by daughter-in-law Audrey Betka-Mager of Lincoln, NE; grandson Derek and his daughters Kayleigh, Kelsey, Kaitlyn, and Kierstyn of Fairmont, NE; and grandson Ryan, wife Rachel, and their son Theodore of Austin, TX. A Funeral Service for Betty was held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Geneva. Pastor Galen Rasmussen presided over the Funeral Service. Stanley Johnson was the organist and he accompanied the congregation in the singing of “Jesus Loves Me” and “Amazing Grace.” The recorded recessional “How Great Thou Art” was played at the conclusion of the Funeral Service. Pallbearers included Tom Novak, Robert Schropfer, Jim Mager, Mike Motis, Jay Knapp, and Dan Vavra. Honorary Pallbearer included Don Manning. A Graveside Service was held in the Geneva Public Cemetery following the Funeral Service. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome. Memorials are suggested to the First United Church Of Christ in Geneva, Nebraska.

Tributes

Betty Lou Betka

June 12, 1928 - March 5, 2026