Betty J. Spousta

A Memorial Service for Betty was held Friday, July 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Milligan, Nebraska. Lay Pastor Michelle Lessard, Rev. Larry Spousta, and Rev. Bryan Harmon presided over the Memorial Service. The recorded selections “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “In The Garden” were played during the Memorial Service. There was a private Committal Of Ashes at Bohemian National Cemetery, Milligan, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the Milligan Fire & Rescue Squads. Betty Jean Sefrna, daughter of Frank and Agnes Fritz Sefrna, was born on January 21,1928 at their farmstead south of Dorchester, NE. She graduated from Wilber High School and later served as a teacher for the country school near her home. Betty met Rudy Spousta in 1946 at a Saline Center dance. A year and a half later they were married in the front room of the Sefrna family home on June 2,1948. A few dances led to a lifetime of deep love for and strong devotion to one another. The couple began their married life in Milligan, Nebraska where they planted their family roots deep into the soil of the community. Rudy served as a Radar Technician and gained an appreciation for all things electrical. This led to the young couple starting an appliance store to serve the needs of Milligan residents and the surrounding area. “Rudy’s Appliance” was opened in 1950 and Betty and Rudy’s partnership in their growing business placed them at the center of the Milligan community for decades to come. Later the family relocated to Kearney, Nebraska where they resided for several years. Not only was Betty a dedicated wife and business partner, but she was also an outstanding mother. The family’s move to Kearney and her love for children resulted in Betty working as a home childcare provider. She served many families in Kearney by loving and caring for their children as a “second Mom.” Following a serious auto accident, Rudy and Betty returned to Milligan and re-opened their business as Golden Rule Gifts. For the next 20 years Betty operated their gift store business with the support of Rudy as a “goodwill ambassador” for Golden Rule . . . and the town. She enjoyed her years as the proprietor of the store, where people felt more like friends than customers. Betty enjoyed reading, word search puzzles, board games and especially Bingo and Dominos. She was a fantastic cook, avid gardener, loved flowers, but most of all enjoyed people. Her quiet care and commitment to serve made “loving others” go far beyond mere words. Betty was preceded in death by parents Frank and Agnes Sefrna, husband Rudy Spousta, brother Marvin Sefrna, sister Shirley Lashansky and son-in- law Howard Behrends. She is survived by daughter Linda Behrends of Diller, NE, son Larry Spousta and his wife, Sue of Frederick MD, daughter Karen and her husband Joel Harmon of Kearney NE; seven grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and two great, great grandchildren. Betty will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends. She was a devoted wife to Rudy, and her children will forever cherish the simple but extraordinary love she shared with them—love experienced through kindness and selflessness. Her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren will continue to be enriched with the legacy of her deep love for God and others.

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Betty J. Spousta

January 21, 1928 - June 30, 2025