Betty J. Larsen

BETTY JOAN LARSEN, 92, of Grant, passed away on August 19, 2022, at the Ogallala Community Hospital.

Betty was born March 26, 1930, at Madrid, Nebraska, to LeRoy and Clarice (McPheeters) Shuey. She graduated from Grant High School with the class of 1947.

On August 7, 1949, Betty married Keith Larsen. The couple made their home on the family farm 10 miles northeast of Grant, where they farmed and raised their children.

Betty was a support on the farm in countless ways, from hauling bales to driving the grain truck. In later years, she enjoyed working at the county treasurer's office and, later, Dana F. Cole in Ogallala.

Betty loved to get dressed up and was always put together. Her heart was always with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved BINGO, board games, and playing cards. Her family has countless cherished memories made over games of Chase the Ace, Pitch, and Pinochle, among many others. She also loved to dance with her husband whenever she got the chance. Betty was a devoted member of TOPS and the Red Hat Society for many years. She served with her husband on the Fair and Grant rural fire boards for many years; she was an avid volunteer with the Bloodmobile and Perkins County election board.

To say Betty was gregarious would be an understatement. She loved to visit and meet new people. If there was someone new at BINGO, Betty served as the unofficial welcoming committee. She was bright-eyed and inquisitive. Betty had a cheery demeanor that she wore on her sleeve, even in the midst of difficult days.

On Friday, Betty was enjoying one of her favorite pastimes, BINGO, when God called her to Himself to rejoin her husband, children, and family. Betty's favorite saying remains true in Heaven, "there's always room for one more."

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Keith in 2011; children, Connie Jo Taylor and Laurence "Wayne" Larsen; and siblings, Bill and Walter Shuey, and Jane Palmer.

Survivors include her children, Christi (Ron) Klima of Grant, Kathy Claaussen (Bill Magby) of Prescott, AZ, and Kelly (Bruce) Bothast of Cumberland, MD; daughter-in-law, Robin Larsen of Cozad; 19 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Harvey of Worland WY, brother, Wayne (Sharon) Shuey of Menifee, CA, Margaret (Art) Sasse of Woodburn, OR, sisters-in-law, Marlene Shuey of Sisters, OR, Sue Larsen Edgewood, NM; brother-in-law, Ronald Larsen of San Antonio, TX; along with many other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Post 135 of Ogallala in Betty's memory. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022, at 10:30 am at the Grant United Methodist Church, with Pastor Ceciliah Igweta officiating. Inurnment will be in the Grant Fairview Cemetery.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.