Betty Lou (Ellingson) Widboom

Betty Lou Widboom

Betty Lou Widboom (Ellingson) was born on October 7, 1927, in Sanborn County, Forestburg, SD to John and Mary Alta Ellingson.

When she was young, Betty and her sister, Butchy went to California to work in an airplane factory.  The women were called Rosie the Riveters. 

On December 28, 1949 she and Harold Widboom were married at Sioux Falls, SD.  Following their marriage they farmed in Mason Township.  Betty worked as secretary for many years at the Slayton High School.  In 1976, they moved to Lake Benton, MN where Betty sold insurance.  In 1986 they moved back to Slayton, MN. 

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she was choir director.  She enjoyed writing short stories and had some articles published in the local newspaper.  She started a chapter of the Sweet Adelines in Slayton.  To the joy of the residents of Good Samaritan Home, she played piano and sang on occasion.

Betty died on Friday, January 11, 2019 at Good Samaritan Home in Pipestone.  Survivors include five children and spouses, Patrick Widboom and fiancée Elfreda Jellum of Elko, MN, Fred and Joan Widboom of Slayton, MN, Guin Case of Des Moines, IA, Thomas Widboom of Wabasha, MN and Melissa and Bill Greer of Crosby, MN; eleven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and one sister, Dee Harris of Danville, PA.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one sister, two brothers and a daughter-in-law, Karen. 

The family is planning a private memorial next summer.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Lou (Ellingson) Widboom, please visit our floral store.