Funeral service for Betty Carr age 93 of White River was held on Sunday, February 5 at 2:00 PM at the White River United Methodist Church in White River. Burial was held on Monday, February 6 at 11:00 AM at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine. Visitation was on Sunday at the church before the funeral. Mrs. Carr passed away on February 2 in Pierre, SD.
Survivors
Daughters-Pamela Winkler of White River, SD
Cheryl Strunk of Marshalltown, IA
Kathleen McKee of Sioux Falls, SD
Elizabeth Briggs of Midland, SD
Sister-Janice Hewitt of Philip, SD


Betty Lee Carr passed into her Heavenly Father's arms on Friday, February 2, 2017 in the presence of her daughters. Betty was born Betty Lee Hewitt on November 24, 1923 in Valentine, Nebraska to Lucius and Hazel Hewitt. She grew up a country girl on the family ranch in Todd County, South Dakota and had wonderful memories of her childhood there with her two older sisters and younger brother. She attended rural grade school and in 1941 graduated from Todd County High School in Mission, South Dakota. She was a cheerleader, editor of the school paper, and in the Glee Club. Her senior year she was elected as student representative and homecoming queen.

Betty attended South Dakota State University for one year and during World War II, taught at the neighborhood Lux school and in Parmalee, South Dakota. Betty married John Earl Carr, Jr. at her parent's home on June 22, 1945. After a few months of marriage living in Hidden Timber, they moved to their new home, a ranch in Mellette County, South Dakota where they still lived today. For over 71 years, Betty and Jack raised 5 daughters on the ranch although, tragedy occurred in 1965 when daughter Janet Pearl was killed. Betty often said it was her strong Christian faith that helped her through the pain.

Betty was active within the community as a 70-year member of the Order of Eastern Star, United Methodist Women, Woman's club (often serving as President) and Job's Daughters Bethel Guardian. She worked as activities director in the White River nursing home and was the Deputy Register of Deeds at the Mellette County courthouse. She tirelessly supported her daughters and grandchildren many events often traveling with teams, to rodeos, sewing outfits, or preparing food.

Betty loved to sew, read, embroider, garden, sing and dance, and do crossword puzzles. Betty took great pride in her homes and had a way of making everyone feel loved and welcome to them.

Betty and Jack would have proudly celebrated their 72nd anniversary in 2017. She credits their steadfast love that had kept them together for all those years. While there are too many memories to count, she often spoke of her dream trip to Hawaii in 1985 to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.

Betty is survived by her four daughters; Pamela (Richard) Winkler of White River, South Dakota; Cheryl (William) Strunk of Marshalltown, Iowa; Kathleen (Bruce) McKee of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Elizabeth (Edward) Briggs of Midland, South Dakota; nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Funeral service was held on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 2:00 PM at United Methodist Church in White River. Burial followed on Monday, Feb. 6 at 11:00 AM at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was in Charge of Service arrangements.