Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls
Dec 9, 1947 - Apr 29, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of Betty's passing and didn't realize she lived in Sioux falls also. I attended school with her in Brookings and I was always very impressed with her involvement in sports. (That was not one of my strength areas.) She was a very kind person!!
Becki Bartling Bray
May 01, 2025 | Sioux Falls, SD | Classmate
Betty became a good friend where we lived at the Inn on Westport.We ate meals together many times and I considered her a good friend. I will miss her.``
Linda Martin
May 01, 2025 | Sioux Falls, SD
Betty holds a dear place in my heart! Heartfelt condolences to each family member as you grieve her precious life.
Connie Graber
April 30, 2025 | Sioux Falls, SD
Betty Jane Bottum (Lengkeek, Ketelhut), age 77, met her savior on April 29, 2025 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls. Betty was born at the Volga, SD hospital on December 9, 1947 to Gerda and Gerrit Lengkeek. She grew up on a farm new Lake Campbell, south of Brookings, SD, until 5th grade when the family moved to Brookings. Betty attended school in Brookings and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from South Dakota State University. She taught school in Akron, Colorado for 1 year. Betty married Jerome Ketelhut in 1972 and Lisa Ann and Jeffrey Jerome were born from that union.
Betty was the Children’s Librarian in Huron, SD for many years before she moved to Sioux Falls in 2003. She met a very special person, Roger Bottum and they enjoyed doing things and going places together for many years. They enjoyed going to lakes and parks, and especially enjoyed spending time with family.
In July, 2009 Betty spent five months recovering from a life-threatening illness. With great doctors and much support of family, Betty survived and as her daughter Lisa says, “you’re a miracle, you know.”
After several health scares and 20+ years together, Roger and Betty were married in a bittersweet ceremony in the hospital chapel on December 13, 2014. Roger passed away January 8, 2015.
Betty is survived by daughter Lisa Garcia and her husband Jesse of Myrtle Beach, SC; son Jeff Ketelhut and wife Janelle of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren Tyler Johnson, Josie Ketelhut, and Malcolm Ketelhut; and sister Dolores Lengkeek and her friend Wally Bothwell of Brookings, SD. Betty was proud and enjoyed having two step grandchildren, Sarah and Kaden and two step great grandchildren, Kamari and Charlie. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband Roger, parents Gerda and Gerrit Lengkeek, brothers Gene Lengkeek, LeRoy Lengkeek, and Leon Lengkeek, and nephews Larry and Lance Lengkeek, and infant nephews.
Following Betty’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. Spreading of ashes will take place at a later date with close family.
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