Obituary: Betty Ann Hoffman

Betty Ann Hoffman

Betty Ann Carmen Hoffman, age 96, of Golden Acres Manor, Carrington and formerly from Grace City was called home to enter joy and rest with our Lord on Sept. 27, 2024.

Her visitation was Thursday, Oct. 3 from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 6:00 p.m., all at Evans Funeral Home.

Her funeral was held Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Carrington, N.D. Rev. Ritchie Cole and Rev. Jeff Kapelle officiated. Music was "How Great Thou Art" sung by Karol Kapelle and congregational hymns, "It Is Well With My Soul" and "In The Garden."

Her burial was at Grace City Cemetery, Grace City, N.D.

Pallbearers were Kyle Gauderman, Thomas Gauderman, Anthony Hoffman, Jesse Schroeder, Jade Brown and Aaron Ehlers. Honorary pallbearers were Marissa Smith, Kayla Sande, Adam Sande, Brooke Kutz, Heather Berglund, Heidi Brown and Joy Gauderman.

Betty was born Sept. 7, 1928, at Lake Mills, Iowa to Clarence Oscar and Ada Bergstad.

She began her education at a country school in Iowa, and later graduated high school at Kiester, Minn. at the age of sixteen. Before attending college, Betty taught in a one room country school in Alexander, N.D. She furthered her education at Valley City State College receiving a standard teaching certificate. Upon graduating, Betty taught at Pilot Mound, a country school near Kloten, N.D., McHenry Public School and Haven Township #3.

On June 16, 1951, Betty married Ray A. Hoffman at McHenry Lutheran Church, McHenry, N.D. They began their life together crop farming and operating a dairy on the family farm near Grace City, N.D., where they raised three children, Eileen, Gary and Jean.

Besides being a homemaker, Betty was active in the Grace City community as a member of the Lutheran Ladies Aid, a Luther League advisor, and a PTA convention delegate. She taught Sunday school and tutored in the public school and in her home.

Later in life Betty worked at the Sunflower Café, Prairie Inn, Dakota Kids Daycare and Super Valu, and within the community was affectionately known as "Grandma Betty".

Throughout their lives, Betty and Ray enjoyed dancing. Many years were spent square dancing in the community. They eventually joined the Jamestown Eagles and continued dancing into their later years. Betty and Ray were together 57 years until Ray's passing in 2009.

Betty's pride and joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a playful nature of dancing and singing with each of them. Her hugs and kisses were limitless and would always end her goodbyes with, "Love you, love you, lots!"

She loved the Lord and was devoted in her faith. She will always be known by loved ones as a very loving and genuine caring person who often spoke of her family. She would give of herself all that she could to help someone in need and never expected anything in return.

Leaving to cherish memories of her are two daughters: Eileen (Dave) Sande, Boise, Idaho and Jean (Leo) Gauderman, Grace City, N.D.; one son, Gary (Eileen) Hoffman, Carrington, N.D.; three sisters: Delores Olson, Detroit Lakes, Minn.; Arlene Ehlers, McHenry, N.D.; and Evie Reineke, China Spring, Texas; one brother Clayton Bergstad, McHenry, N.D.; ten grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Ray; her parents, Clarence Oscar and Ada; one sister, Alvena Hoffman; and three brothers: Otto, Audie and Oscar.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.