Betty Swan
Betty M. (Nelson) Swan, 93 of Newfolden, MN passed away peacefully with her children at her side on Friday, October 22, 2021 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls MN.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 2:00 PM at New Hope Lutheran Church in Newfolden, MN with Pastor Ollie Urdahl officiating. Burial will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery, Newfolden, MN Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Betty M. Nelson, was born on December 28, 1927 at home on the family farm west of Newfolden. The fourth child born to Tollef and Othelia (Pedersen) Nelson, Betty was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith. Betty attended and graduated High School in Newfolden. She often recalled how when she started the first grade she only spoke Norwegian. Later in life, she took great pleasure in speaking Norwegian with family in Norway.
After graduation, Betty worked as a waitress at the Rex Cafe in Thief River Falls, MN and later in Grand Forks. Returning to Newfolden, she co-owned and operated a restaurant with her friend Joan.
On October 25th, 1949 she was united in marriage to Vernon Swan in Newfolden, MN. Together, Vernon and Betty had four children: Baby girl (stillborn), Karen, Mary Jo and Joel. They settled in Newfolden, where Betty proudly cared for her family. In 1965 Betty attended school to fulfill her dream of becoming a beautician. She successfully owned and operated Betty’s Beauty Shop in her home for thirty years, retiring at the age of seventy.
Betty and Vernon were fond of traveling: Norway, Alaska, Colorado, California, and the Badlands of South Dakota as a few of their favorite destinations. In her free time, Betty took great pride in entertaining family and friends and baking. She spent countless hours perfecting delicious Scandinavian treats from pizzelles (giving away thousands) to family renowned lefse, kringla and sugar cookies. At Christmas, Betty transformed her home into a warm, festive wonderland where family and friends eagerly gathered to celebrate the holidays.
Betty also enjoyed crafting, playing cards, bingo and visiting with friends at the Senior Center in Newfolden.
Betty was a member of New Hope Church of Newfolden where she enjoyed fellowship and Ladies Bible Study. She proudly served in Ladies Aide, taught Sunday school and served in various church offices over the years. She was also a former member of the Sons of Norway, the American Legion in Newfolden, and was a Girl Scout leader.
Betty is survived by her children Karen Ranum of Baxter, MN, Mary Jo (Tim) Davis of Severance, CO, Joel (Tami) Swan of Newfolden, MN; 6 grandsons, Jared (Lea) Ranum of Garrison, MN, Craig (Erin) Ranum of Highlands Ranch, CO, Micah (Kim) Ranum of Evergreen, CO, Trevor Davis of Anchorage, AK, Ethan (Jordyn) Davis of Windsor, CO, Garrett (Bethany) Swan of Newfolden, MN; 10 great-grandchildren, Logan and Madeline Ranum, Coraline and Soren Ranum, Gavin and Annika Ranum, Sophia and Gunnar Swan, Lincoln and Theodore Davis; siblings Marvin (Rose) Nelson of Thief River Falls, MN; sisters-in-law Sonya (Gaylord) Pederson, Delphine Swan; brother-in-law James (Mary Ann) Swan; along with several nieces, nephews, great- nieces and nephews.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband Vernon, son-in-law Keith; parents Tollef and Othelia Nelson; brothers Palmer Nelson, Orville Nelson, and Luther (Marlene) Nelson; Vernon’s parents Arthur and AnnaBelle Swan.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com