Betty Knutson, age 93, met her beloved Savior on October 25, 2020, at Centerville Care and Rehab Center.  Private family graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, October 30, 2020 at Holland Cemetery, rural Centerville, SD.

Betty Jeane Olson was born on September 25, 1927, to Howard and Jeannette (Noteboom) Olson in Davis, SD, the first of eight children.  She attended rural schools in Davis and graduated from Davis High School.  She then attended Southern State Teacher's College, in Springfield, SD, after which she taught school in Davis.  She began a 64-year marriage to Willard Knutson of Centerville on May 20, 1951.  After Willard's time in the service they settled and began farming in rural Centerville.  They were blessed with twin sons, Dale and Dean, who both farmed alongside them.

Betty had immaculately precise handwriting, was constantly reading, crocheted beautiful afghans, loved crossword puzzles, and could find a connection with anyone.  She was a historian of her family, Willard's family, Centerville, and Davis, and if we ever had a question of whose brother was so-and-so's or who married who, she was the one to ask.  Her memory was incredible.  She was always giving of herself in service to others, whether her husband, sons, her church, or community of friends.  She was often found baking or cooking something to share.  She worked in the office of Centerville School for over 20 years, and many students from those years still remember her as the "lunch lady" for punching lunch tickets.

The role of grandma was one that Grandma Betty relished and fulfilled in a fantastic way.  She read countless books and had an endless supply of homemade cookies.  She played board games, school, store, and never said no when we asked to make a "mixture."  Another fond memory is trips to the dam to throw rocks in the river.  Our yearly tradition of a one-on-one day with Grandma for back-to-school and birthday shopping in Yankton made us each feel so special.  Her love followed us to college in the form of letters about home which never failed to be stuffed with a $20 bill.  As great-grandchildren were added to our family, the box of toys and plates of cookies continued to be ready.  We are incredibly thankful to be able to call her Grandma and Great-Grandma and recount so many treasured memories.

Betty was an active member of Immanuel Free Lutheran Church in rural Centerville, serving in many different roles over the decades.  She was also active in Christian Women's Club and Friendship Bible Coffee.  Her quiet faith through many times of trial and hardship serves an example to us, and we rejoice knowing that she has met her Savior and been reunited with many beloved family members who went before her.

Betty is survived by sons: Dale and Dean (Julie), both of Centerville, 5 grandchildren and their spouses: Shannon (Rich) Merkouris of Sioux Falls, Justin (Jessie) Knutson of Centerville, Kristin (David) Seruyange of Sioux Falls, Gretchen (Dave) Mattson of Centerville, and Alison (Peder) Aadahl of Sioux Falls; 15 great-grandchildren: Hannah, Henry, Hazel, Clay, Sierra, Simeon, Solomon, Leah, Heidi, Joseph, Norah, Lucy, Brady, Noelle, and Addie; brother Jim Olson; brothers-in-law Arlen Jensen and Dick Neish; sisters-in-law Maxine (Lloyd) Leaders and Pauline Buckstead.  She was preceded in death by her husband Willard Knutson; parents; brothers Howard, Jr., Philip, and Lyle; sisters Marlis Jensen, Ardis Neish, and Janice Olson; daughter-in-law Vickie Knutson; great-granddaughter Lael Seruyange; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Betty's family would like to thank the staff of Centerville Care Center for their compassionate and dedicated care of Betty over the last four years and Compassionate Care Hospice for their care in her final days.