Betty J. Jamtgaard, 94, formerly of Alcester, SD, died Monday, June 8, 2020 at Diamond Care Center in Bridgewater, SD.  Her family will hold private graveside services at Roseni Lutheran Cemetery.

Betty Lykken was born July 19, 1925 to Ole and Goldie (Newbold) Lykken.  She grew up on the family farm near Alcester and graduated from Alcester High School.  On February 20, 1943, she married Robert Jamtgaard and they were blessed with four children, Peggy, Roberta, Jenise and Renita.  They raised their family on the farm, even after moving around, they always remained in a farming community.

Betty loved her life on the farm.  She was active in her church and ladies aid. She was quite musical and proficient at both guitar and piano, even giving guitar lessons. She played her guitar and sang duets with a cousin for community functions.  She kept a garden and enjoyed canning the harvest and she was a wonderful cook and baker.  Nothing went to waste.  Betty was an important part of her children's school and youth activities and was always ready to lend a help when needed, even acting as umpire during a ball game.

In 2016, Betty moved to assisted living in Bridgewater.  She would take part in the daily activities, especially bingo, but as the years went by, she enjoyed her quiet time where she liked to crochet, listen to music and watch tv.  She loved watching the birds at the birdfeeder, loved watching for hummingbirds and always looked forward to eating a grilled cheese sandwich.  She continued to voice her opinion on politics and kept a close eye on the weather.

Betty is survived by her four daughters, Peggy (Bruce) Watson, Aurora, CO, Roberta (Harlan) Winckler, Mitchell, SD, Jenise Weisser, Mitchell, SD and Renita (Ron) Anderes, Hope, KS; 10 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Gene (Elsie) Lykken, Prescott, AZ; and her sister, Jeannette (Jerry) Ofstad, Rapid City, SD.