Betty Winters

February 12, 1928 - June 4, 2020

A private funeral service for Betty Winters of Wadena, will be held at a later date at the Johnson-Schuller Chapel in Wadena with Pastor Stephen Meltzer presiding. Betty, age 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at the Lakewood Health System Care Center, Staples, MN. Betty was born on February 12, 1928 to Alfred and Edna (Serba) Maine in Barnes County, ND and graduated from Jamestown High School in 1947.  She was united in marriage to Harold Winters in Moorhead, MN on August 12, 1950.  They went on to farm together in Merricourt, ND from 1951 to 1964 where they welcomed their two children, Debra and David.  In 1964, they left the windy prairie of ND and headed east to farm in rural Otter Tail County near Wadena, MN.    Early days on the farm included tending to many of the demanding chores that farm-life required. When a black and white photo surfaced of her as a young woman showcasing her serious grin, strong forearms and bulging biceps, she proudly acknowledged, “ I got those muscles from milking cows by hand!”.  When the farm allowed for time off, fun activities included playing cards with friends and enjoying a membership to the local horse club.   Betty also furnished many household items with her wages as a short-order cook at the cafe in town where she worked alongside her daughter, Deb, who was a waitress.     After Harold’s death in 1986, Betty continued taking care of her farmland and animals with the help of her son, Dave and in addition, added business owner to her resume.  Betty was the proprietor of Betty’s Bedding Plants and Country Crafts and was known for her beautiful perennial beds and vegetable gardens.  She was a long time member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and decorated the church grounds with flowers for many years.  She took great pride and satisfaction in her flowers and enjoyed the time spent caring for her flower beds.   Betty lived independently on the farm, tending to her gardens and chickens until the age of 88.  Her quiet, humble and resilient character will be greatly missed by those who love her and the memories she created for her grandchildren will be cherished forever.   Betty is survived by her sister Lora, 5 grandchildren; Wendy, LeAnna, Ryan, Joshua, and Matthew and numerous  great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harold, children Debra and David and brothers William and Marlon.  A small,  private family service will be held to honor Betty.     Special thanks to the caring staff at Lakewood Care Center in Staples, MN, who provided care to Grandma Betty over the past few years.   Burial will be in the Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, MN.