Betty Frances Werth, 104, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital on Friday, January 10, 2025.

A Celebration of Life service will be from 4-6 p.m. at The Finery On Main, 104 S Main Street , Aberdeen, SD, on Friday, August 8, 2025.

A Graveside Service will be held at Riverside Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, under the direction of Pastor Gary Compton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Dacotah Prairie Museum in memory of Betty.

Carlsen Funeral Home & Crematory, 1708 8th Ave NE, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.carlsenfh.com.

Betty Frances Berg was born on November 4, 1920, in Aberdeen, SD, to Harold and Mary Jane (Jones) Berg. She was raised in Aberdeen and attended public schools, graduating from Aberdeen Central High School with the class of 1938. At the time of her death, she was the oldest surviving graduate of Aberdeen Central High School.

After graduating high school, Betty attended Mankato Commercial College and worked at an insurance company for several years. In 1942, she moved to San Jose, California, and began working in a law office.

In September 1943, Betty decided to join the WW2 effort by enlisting in the United States Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). She was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, where she was a control tower operator. Betty was honorably discharged in November 1945, returned to Aberdeen, and worked at several law offices in the area.

Betty met her husband, Daryl Werth, and they were married on July 3, 1948, at the First Presbyterian Church in Aberdeen. Their family was made complete with the addition of two children, Roger and Jane.

Daryl passed away on December 11, 1983, and Betty remained in Aberdeen. She lived independently for the rest of her years, demonstrating remarkable resilience and self-reliance. Later, she moved to Davis Court independent living, where she resided at the time of her passing. Even as Betty surpassed the remarkable milestone of 100 years, she exhibited a strong will to care for herself and maintain her independence. Her independence was facilitated by the love and support of the residents and staff at Davis Court, especially Lori Nielsen and Bobbi Suedmeier.

Betty was very proud of her Norwegian and Welsh roots and loved exploring her heritage. She traveled to Scandinavia to visit family and loved to travel, both alone and with family, exploring Europe, Great Britain, and all 50 U.S. states. At 94, she made her last individual flight but continued traveling with family for years, always excited to see new or familiar places.

In addition to her love of travel, Betty enjoyed staying busy with various crafts and hobbies. She especially loved babysitting her grandchildren, often saying it was the most wonderful time of her life. Spending time with them brought her great joy and was a cherished part of her later years.

Following her retirement, Betty kept busy by dedicating much of her time to volunteering at several places in Aberdeen, including Avera St. Luke’s, the Dacotah Prairie Museum, and Storybook Land. She made many lasting memories and relationships throughout her many years of volunteer work.

Betty was an active member of the Eastern Star Chapter in Groton, SD, for 72 years. She was also involved with the Sons of Norway and was a devoted member of the 1st Presbyterian Church, where she found support and fellowship throughout her life. Her strong sense of faith and community were central to her life.

Grateful to have shared Betty’s life are her children: Roger (Jody) Werth of Aberdeen, SD, and Jane (Andrew) Howell of Bend, OR; grandchildren: Spencer (Carrie) Werth of Omaha, NE, and their children Ben and Michaela, Lauren Werth of Minneapolis, MN, and Matthew Howell of Portland, OR; and step-grandchildren: Harrison Patronik of Sioux Falls, SD, and his daughter Emma, and Grant (Rachel) Patronik of St. Paul, MN.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Mary Jane Berg; husband, Daryl; and brother, Lyman Berg.