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BORN
1932
DIED
2022
BETTY LAUGHLIN Obituary
On Saturday, January 29, 2022, Betty Laughlin was taken home by her savior after a short illness. Betty lived a wonderful, full life and was 89 years old. She was born to Casey and Francis Jones on July 2, 1932, in Faribault, Minnesota.
She married her husband Don in 1953. They moved to Las Vegas with an infant son pulling a small travel trailer. They ended up opening a few small casinos and sold them. By 1966, they arrived at what is now Laughlin, Nevada.
Betty was very active within the Laughlin community and served on the town board for fourteen years. She had a large impact on many people's careers at the Riverside Resort. She enjoyed dancing and traveling. She loved holiday gatherings she spent with family and friends.
She is survived by her husband, Don; son, Dan Laughlin (daughter-in-law Jennie Laughlin); son, Ron Laughlin (daughter-in-law Judy Laughlin); daughter, Erin Laughlin; five grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great- grandchild.
Services will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in Don's Celebrity Theatre at the Riverside Casino.
In lieu of flowers it is asked donations be made to the Colorado River Food Bank in her name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for BETTY LAUGHLIN
Alison(Vaughn) Rose
December 29, 2023
Moved to B-head city 1969. Sat right behind Dan in High sch. Civics class. Betty´s niece was my brother Mark´s fiancés matron of honor. Betty was there at the wedding. Couple years later, I worked in their restaurant. Got in a motorcycle accident. After I´d recovered, Betty offered me to come back and work either in the accounting dept. or in Keno, because she said she valued my loyalty and work ethic there! Ended up a supervisor in Keno for about 5 more years till I married and moved away. Loved that job and Betty for believing in me. She was an awesome lady. One memory. One night after shift, creepy guy at bar hitting on me. Betty down the bar saw when the guy went to the b-room, walked over and asked if he was bothering me. I said yes. When the guy came back, she made a few motions with her hands and 2 security guards immediately came and lifted the guy under his arms and out the front door! Ive never seen anything like it! She was awesome! Treated us employees like family. It was a very small community then. Riverside in 1969 was the only casino there. Very small! We went to high school that first year 35 minutes on the bus to Kingman. Mohave high school was built the next year, with me sitting behind Dan in Civics. Hi, Dan. Loved your mom.
Amy Phillips
October 24, 2023
Betty was definitely one of a kind. Met her through her daughter Erin. She was ever so gracious and giving. She was so very kind to my husband and me and our disabled kids. The world is a sadder place without her in it. Loved your whole family. What a legacy.
Lex Laughlin
January 18, 2023
Betty was fun to hang out with.
Lex Laughlin
Cassie F.Bellamy
November 6, 2022
I met Betty Laughlin when I was temporarily homeless and she gave me a place to stay at the hotel with my beloved Molly for a week until I could find a place to move into. What a wonderful kind individual she was I never saw her again but thanked her for her kindness and her generosity. If it hadn't been for her I would have been sleeping in my car and she knew that that would make me sad. She didn't even know me but she extended her kindness to me and my little dog and I'll never forget her. May she rest in peace and have all of her wishes and dreams come true now. Condolences to the entire family and know that your mother is in a place that we as the living can only dream of. Cassie F. Bellamy
Cheryl Russo
March 1, 2022
I wish I could have stood up to speak at the service but I was too choked up. Betty was a classy lady but also down to earth. She was a very positive person, independent and full of energy. You had better have your running shoes on to keep up with her! Betty was very generous and I want to share how that affected my life. I met Betty 41 years ago at my wedding in Northern California. My husband John and I had just finished building our first home and with paying for the wedding we could not afford a honeymoon. Betty heard this at the reception and invited us to Laughlin, she said, "I'll put you up and show you a good time". She was true to her word.
Every day was a fun adventure. She took us to Oatman, Kingman, Lake Havasu, to the "Ranch" to BBQ and play pool, jump on the trampoline, and ride her Jet Ski in the Lagoon, boating on Lake Mohave, and floating down the river from the Riverside to the Ranch. John and I liked the area so well we went back, sold our house and moved to Bullhead. John, Betty, and I hung out all the time. After a year or so I was accepted to dental hygiene school in Las Vegas. Betty let me live in her Vegas house during the week then I would come home on the weekend and John, Betty, and I would hang out. My last year of college John received a business opportunity and moved back to No. Calif. I then flew to see him every other weekend and the opposite weekend would go to Laughlin to stay with Betty. Back in these days if an acquaintance came up to say hello to Betty she would introduce me, "This is my kid". I was so proud that she loved me in this way because I knew how deeply she loved her family. We stayed close over all these years and had many more fun adventures. If it were not for Betty's generosity I would not have had a Honeymoon. If it were not for Betty's generosity I would have come out of college with a ton of debt. If if was not for her generously sharing her love with me I would not have so very many fond memories with her to cherish for the rest of my life. I will dearly miss her. To you family and friends who are mourning I hope your memories can give you comfort. I hope you can call to God to give you peace.
Sharon Van Esch
February 18, 2022
Betty was a kind and generous person who will always be remembered for that reason. She took my friend and I for a tour of the city, like a guide. We even stopped at Walmart! She didn't have to do that, but that's who Betty was. Better have a good pair of running shoes on to keep her pace too. I sure hope she knows how many lives were influenced by her, and how much she was loved and respected
GOD'S blessing to her family to help you heal the heart break.
Dane Fuller
February 18, 2022
Your generosity, good nature, and never ending hospitality will always be missed and never forgotten. All my memories will be nothing but positive of my Great Aunt Betty....I only wish I had come to see you more often these past 10 years or so! Love you...
Greg & Diana Eoff
February 17, 2022
Betty, loved to see you around the hotel. May your family be so proud of you in what you have accomplished throughout the years. May you rest in peace.
Beatrice Riley
February 14, 2022
Our condolences to the Laughlin family. From our Minnesota family. RIP
Albert moses
February 12, 2022
Ron so sorry for your families loss
JohnnieMae Colt (Shullo)
February 12, 2022
Betty was a fiery, feisty woman. She was tough. She was also very, very kind. I´m so happy I had the chance to work with her and around her. She will be missed by us for sure.
Kim -Steinbauer- Fay
February 12, 2022
I will never forget the time when a large group of family and friends were at the River View Restaurant and my mom (Bobby, Betty´s sister) were sitting next to each other talking. They got to smarting off and Bobby (mom) said "I´m older than you so RESPECT YOUR ELDERS "! We all thought it was hilarious cuz NO ONE ELSE DARE TALK TO BETTY LAUGHLIN LIKE THAT BUT HER CLOSEST SISTER!! I loved watching those two talk to each other! Every time I went out there, Betty was SO MUCH LIKE MY MOM, and I felt it! I even called her mamma! I loved her so very much. She would always accommodate family friends she didn´t even know! So GRACIOUS! I will miss her smacking me on my shoulder when I said funny things!
Justin Surber- Slot Rep
February 11, 2022
I want to thank you and Don Laughlin for bringing a great casino family environment to Nevada. You will be truly missed and loved by the riverside employee family, your Laughlin family. May you rest in peace and family be comforted at this time!
Muriel jore
February 11, 2022
From our family in Owatonna,Mn we send our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Mary Wheat
February 11, 2022
So sorry to hear of your loss.
My deepest sympathies to all the Family.
Jim and Thomas, friends of the daughter Erin.
February 10, 2022
I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Laughlin one time in her place high above the north tower of the riverside casino. quite the lady she was. A beautiful person in every way.
Julie
February 10, 2022
Great lady! RIP Betty!!
Ranae L Reynolds
February 10, 2022
So sorry for the loss of a grand lady. Prayers to the family.
Lisa Anderson
February 10, 2022
I am so sorry Mrs. Laughlin passed. I had to move tables at the buffet once because it was "Betty's Table" and she was on her way. I thought that was pretty cool she had her table. :) Sorry for the families loss.
Colleen M Fletcher
February 10, 2022
Prayers for family and friends of Betty Laughlin.
Don & Shirley Edwards
February 9, 2022
R.I.P Betty...Our Deepest Sympathy to the Laughlin Family...
Michael and Kathy Sargeant - RIP Elizabeth
February 9, 2022
One of a Kind !
Heaven is Lucky to have such a wonderful Lady come home,
Betty touched so many lives
Mother, Grandmother and Great Grand Mother
Kathy and I are blessed to have you and your family in our lives
Dottye DeGroote
February 9, 2022
Have gone to the Riverside for over 30 years. Met Don a few times and photos taken, but never got to meet Betty. Always wanted to, but never had the pleasure. God her rest her soul!
Vickie Poe
February 9, 2022
The Riverside was my 1st job I remember Making my first cakes for Betty . I´m Honored to have made many cakes for her throughout the years back in the 80s . My whole family worked there as well. She was a great lady I remember her smiles . Our condolences and thoughts and prayers are with the Laughlin family. From The Poes
Rebecca Hillard
February 9, 2022
I work at Riverside at the Buffet
I had a very good experience working
There...I met Betty Laughlin and she is a very nice person..I am very sorry for your he loss af a beautiful person son
Heidi Pasion
February 9, 2022
So sorry about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time...
Karen Jordan Wenzel
February 9, 2022
Betty will be missed. She was a very sweet woman. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Laughlin family.
Barbara Shilling Rivercoast Ice Company
February 9, 2022
My husband Doug Shilling former owner of Red Carpet Realty, Bullhead City, Arizona (deceased) always talked fondly of Don And Betty he loved that Betty gave him a 50th birthday party! And Don was always very welcoming to locals visitor´s and local businesses!! On both sides of the River!! Rest In Peace Betty!
Kay Wertman
February 9, 2022
So Sorry to hear this news. Betty was one of the kindest most giving lady´s I´ve had pleasure to know
Rest Easy Betty
Sympathy to family
Matt and Terri Walaszek
February 9, 2022
Our hearts go out to all of the Laughlin family. We pray for peace and comfort. Matt and Terri
Marty and Gail Knauss
February 9, 2022
Our condolences to the entire Laughlin family. Many great memories from long ago. Rest in Peace.
Heather Donathan
February 9, 2022
I didn't know Betty but I wish I could have met her. Sending prayers to her family and friends.
Lanora (Hatter) Henry and Hatter Family
February 9, 2022
Our prayers are with you all. Betty will always be remembered as a shining light,. God bless you all.
Scott and Lori Crampton
February 9, 2022
Betty was a wonderful woman. May your memories comfort you in this difficult time. Our prayers are with you.
Michael P Pete
February 9, 2022
You have our sympathy.
Cathy Jo Johnsen
February 9, 2022
R.I.P. Betty ~~ Prayers and thoughts are with The Laughlin family ~~ =^.^=
Katrina Hawkins
February 9, 2022
I use to live in bullhead city Arizona for 9 years , I live in Cadillac Michigan now , so sorry for your loss
Linda Miranda
February 9, 2022
Rest in Peace Betty. Deepest sympathy to the Laughlin family.
Mark Stephens
February 9, 2022
Work there a long time, cooked and delivered food to her penthouse many times..alway nice and Gracious,she will be missed.
Freddy Blovat & Betty Merrylees
February 9, 2022
We always love our stays at the Riverside Hotel and Casino, and appreciate all that Don and Mrs. Laughlin have done to support Laughlin and Bullhead City. May the Laughlin family find comfort in the days ahead.
Tami Cauthon
February 8, 2022
I am Peggy Parten (White)"s daughter. She dearly loved Betty,Don and the family.
My Heart is so saddened by the loss of your loved one. May happy memories soon put a smile where tears now fall. My deepest condolences to the family and friends.
RIP sweet angel
Dan Tegeler
February 8, 2022
Sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this hard time.
Trudy Osborn
February 8, 2022
Laughlin´s founding mother has gone home to Heaven. Her presence in the hallways or on the casino floor will be missed. May the Laughlin Family find some comfort knowing that she has found peace.
Donna Kilborn (DeeDee McManus)
February 8, 2022
I am so sorry to hear about Betty. She has always been in my heart. I have known her and the family since I was 6 years old. I grow up with all the kids Danny, Ronny and Erin. She will be messed.
DeeDee
Robert Bilbray
February 8, 2022
Betty's "smile" lit up each and every room she ever entered during her entire life, I first met her in 1978 and i cannot ever express my appreciation for the many hours of her personal time and learned advice, direction and vision she shared with me as a young man arriving on the River. This lady was so very dedicated to the betterment of and development within our Laughlin township from her service on our town board to assisting the formation of our existing Catholic parish. I just know this lady blew through the pearly gates of heaven upon her passing. All of us, known or unknown would be wise to follow the path of life as she did for Don, her children, and grandchildren! I consider myself personally blessed to have known, befriended and loved Betty, rest in peace dearest.
Toni Fraire
February 8, 2022
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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