Betty Lynn Hilleson

A Memorial Service for Betty Hilleson, 75, of Veblen, SD, will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Veblen, SD, with Pastor Karie Geyer officiating. Betty's children will serve as urn bearers, and her grandchildren will be honorary urn bearers. Interment will take place at a later date. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Cahill Funeral Chapel is entrusted with the arrangements.
Betty was born on November 28, 1949, to James and Lila (Wilkins) Harris in Detroit Lakes, MN. She was raised and attended school in Fargo, ND, and went on to earn a degree from Sioux Falls College. On September 28, 1973, she married the love of her life, James Hilleson. Together, they built a life in Baltic, later moving to Veblen, SD. Betty had a strong work ethic and a generous spirit. While raising her sons, she worked as a telephone operator for AT&T and US West. In Veblen, she worked at Ace Hardware and Fort Sisseton. She served on the city council, was an active member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, and held the role of WELCA Treasurer. A lifelong learner, Betty had a passion for trivia – especially Trivial Pursuit - and enjoyed travelling the world with her sister, Elaine. On February 26, 2025, Betty passed away at Coteau des Prairies Hospital in Sisseton, SD, with her husband by her side.
She is survived by her husband, James Hilleson; sons Ted (Tina), Omman (Kari), and Ben Hilleson; and grandchildren Madison, Abigail, Nils, Emmalyn, and Jack; her sister, Elaine Twogood; brother, Mike Harris; and many cherished nieces and nephews: Kenneth, Nelson, Andy, Thomas, Paul, Elizabeth, Edie, Maren, Kara, Kathy, Caroline, Amanda, Heidi, Stacy, Kari, Kristin, and Molly.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lila Harris, and her brother, Bill Harris.
Betty was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who approached life with a deep sense of duty, whether in her work, her community or her family. Her warmth, generosity and commitment to those she loved will be deeply missed by all who knew her.