Betty Lou (Borszich) Epke was born January 6, 1928, at home in Lakeview, South Dakota, to Julius (Jake) and Abra (Lizzie) Borszich.  She received her early schooling in Lakeview, South Dakota, and graduated from Todd County High School in 1943.

Betty Lou was united in marriage on June 1, 1953, to Dean Kellogg Epke.  This union was blessed with four children, Pat, Don, Jan and Dan.  The family ranched north of Crookston, Nebraska.

Betty Lou worked at various jobs.  After normal training in high school, she taught school.  She then  became a telephone operator for a few years. After her marriage she was kept busy raising her four children and being a housewife.  When Dean passed away in 1987, Betty Lou moved to Valentine, Nebraska.  She went to work at Daylight Donuts for a number of years.  She then worked at Alco until she finally decided to retire when she was in her 80's.

Betty Lou belonged to the Methodist Women's group and enjoyed her circle meetings.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.  Betty Lou loved playing Bingo, going to dances, playing cards, putting puzzles together, crocheting, crafting with beads and being social.  Betty Lou loved to volunteer.  She spent hours at Cherry County Historical Society, Pine View and calling bingo at the Senior Center.  Family was very important to Betty Lou as they were her pride and joy.  She loved showing her family off to anyone and everyone.

After living on her own for 95 years, Betty Lou spent a short time in Cherry Hills Estates before going to the Sandhills Care Center in Ainsworth, Nebraska, where she departed this world on March 15, 2025, exactly one year to the day moving in.

Betty Lou is survived by her children: Pat (Gene) Eddie of Mission, South Dakota, Don (Jan) Epke of Springview, Nebraska, Jan (Dennis) Forgey of Spearfish, South Dakota and Dan (Kim) Epke of Valentine, Nebraska.  Also surviving her are her grandchildren:  Barb (Travis) Hanson, Beckey (Adam) Moosman, Kris (Tanner) Tool, Jodi (Ryan O'Hara) Forgey, Kasy Epke, Kari (Tyler) Zimmerman, Danielle (Eric) Wackler, Melinda (Kirk) Schlueter and Kami Epke and her great grandchildren: Ayden Hansen, Rylee Wackler, Owen Mossman, Parker Wackler, Cameron Wackler, Evan Moosman, Cavan Tool, Svea Schlueter, Kaislee Schlueter, Carden Tool, Wesley Zimmerman, Lane Zimmerman and Ella O'Hara.  Betty Lou is also survived by nieces and nephews: Connie Willams, Duane Hronek, Shirley Erickson, Sam Epke and Joni Jorgenson.

Betty Lou was preceded in death by her parents (Jake and Lizzie), her husband (Dean), her siblings (Julia Holbrook, Harold Borszich, Inez Hronek and Erma Borszich) and her grandsons (Chad Eddie and Brad Eddie).

Funeral services for Betty Lou Epke will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Valentine Methodist Church in Valentine, Nebraska, with Pastor Jake Schadel officiating.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines.  Burial will follow the service at the Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine, Nebraska.  Sandoz Chapel of the Pines is in charge of funeral arrangements.  In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Sandhills Care Center in Ainsworth, Nebraska, or to the Valentine Senior Center.