Betty Lou Agee

Betty Lou Agee, 93, of Minneapolis, died June 24, 2021. Born Oct. 12, 1927 in Veblen, S.D., Betty was the second of four children of Arthur and Margaret (Robbins) Akre. She was valedictorian at Veblen High School and left her small town to move to Seattle and work for United Airlines. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, where she met future husband, William H. Agee III. They were married Oct. 20, 1955. Bill was a history professor at the U of M and Betty worked in the American Studies Department as an executive assistant, making lifelong friends with students, staff and leaders across many departments. She retired in 1999, after 25 years of dedicated service. Betty was a voracious reader and devoted animal lover, especially to her beagles, Alice Louise and Sam, and to Miss Kitty. She was a talented artist, skilled at knitting, tatting and crewel embroidery. She loved gardening and doing crossword puzzles. Betty was the family historian and loved traveling to see siblings and taking trips to the North Shore with friends. A trip to Alaska was a highlight of her life. After Bill's death in 2003, Betty's devoted circle of friends helped her with daily life, enabling her to stay in her home until her 90th birthday. She later moved to Good Samaritan in New Hope, where she shared books and engaged staff and residents with stories of her childhood on the prairie. Betty is survived by sister Marjorie Tisch of Gulf Shores, Ala.; sister-in-law Ruth Ann Akre of Selby, S.D; sister-in-law Cynthia Akre of Fla. She was preceded in death by brothers Cecil and Donald. A graveside service will be held July 7 at 1 p.m. at Fort Snelling, assembly lane #2 with reception to follow at Washburn-McReavy Chapel in Edina. Memorials can be made to Good Samaritan Society- Ambassador.