Elizabeth "Betty" Simons

Memorial services will be at 11AM on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at First Lutheran Church in Pillager for Elizabeth “Betty” Simons, 87, who died peacefully at Edgewood Brainerd Senior Living.  Pastor Mathew Sundquist will officiate, and burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery in Pillager at a later date.  Visitation will be 5-7:30 Monday, July 8, 2019 at First Lutheran Church in Pillager, and one hour prior to services on Tuesday at the church.

Elizabeth “Betty” was born January 24, 1932 in Manning, North Dakota to Peter and Elizabeth (Leiss) Keller. She married Richard “Dick” Simons on October 29, 1949 in Brainerd, Minnesota.  Betty worked for 32 years in food service for the Pillager School District, until her retirement in 1995.  She was extremely hard working and enjoyed keeping busy whether she was cleaning house, staining wood or just giving a helping hand.  Betty had no time for nonsense like going to the café for coffee, there was work to be done or houses to clean.  However, there was time for making her family cabbage and meatballs on occasion.  Betty and Dick enjoyed their winters in Florida, playing cards, and dancing (Betty never wanted the night to end).  She was caring, honest, and passionately loved her family beyond words.  Betty will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her children, Shirley (LeRoy) Smith of Pillager, Doug (Terri) of Pillager; grandchildren, Lauri Cooper, Zach Simons, Beth Arnold, Nick Simons; great grandchildren, Lacie, Derick, Cierra, Vincent, Grace, Izzy; great great grandchildren, Stella, Colton, Daxton; siblings, Ted (Rita) Keller, Bob (Pat) Keller, Don (Sharon) Keller; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dick; step son, Richard Pizzulti; granddaughter, Brenda Brattlund; siblings, Lena Mc Daniel, Richard Keller, Pete Keller, and Bill Keller.