Betty Lu Pergande was born September 13, 1927 to Carl and Bessie Pergande of Springbrook. She was the youngest of 4 kids.

Betty grew up on the family farm north of Springbrook working out in the fields alongside her dad and brother. She always preferred to be outside rather than doing house work. She completed school through 8th grade.

She was married to Grover Dickey and had one son, Jim.

After the Korean War ended, she met and married Carroll Christensen. They had one daughter, Laurie. Carroll and Betty worked for many years as hired ranch hands, before they were able to buy the ranch south of Ray, where they lived out their years farming, milking cows, raising beef cattle, and of course, numerous horses. Betty ran the place while Carroll worked in the oilfield. She also worked a job at the Snow White in Ray, and always spoke fondly of her time there.

Betty was very active in various clubs, including the Ray Garden Club and Ray Homemakers. She bowled on the women’s league in Tioga for many years and made many lifelong friends. She also loved to garden; having her own greenhouse, where she started many bedding plants over the years. She had beautiful flower beds and took great pride in them.

Grandma’s love of horses ran deep, passing that love to her daughter and granddaughters. She raised quarter horses and Arabians for most of her life. Betty was a founding member of the MT Saddle Club. She always had pets of any kind close by. She was known to have the occasional orphaned fawn, antelope, and even a raccoon! Carroll would bring home stray dogs from the oilfield and Betty never turned them away.

It’s hard to sum up 94 full years of life in a short story. She was a classy lady, loved her family fiercely, and was tough as heck.

Betty is survived by her son, Jim (Sheila) of Ray, son-in-law Vernal Moorhead, Epping, grandchildren Michael (Megan) Dickey of Alabama, Selena Dickey of South Carolina, Kisten (Kyle) Homelvig of Amidon, and Tessa (Cody) Maupin of Epping. Great grand children Tellen and Colt Homelvig, and Ila Maupin.

She is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Bessie, sisters Mary and Mae, brother Butch, husband Carroll, and daughter Laurie.