Elizabeth "Betty" Graf

Elizabeth “Betty” Graf, age 81 of Laurel, Nebraska passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at her residence surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the Faith Community Church in Laurel with the Rev. Doug Collins officiating. Burial will be at the Belden Cemetery in Belden, Nebraska. Visitation will be on Tuesday, at church, from 5-7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Chris Clinchard officiating. Visitation will continue on Wednesday one hour prior to services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home in Laurel.

You may watch a livestream of the funeral at www.facebook.com/WintzRaylive

Pallbearers will be Michael Hoeppner, Brian Hoeppner, Justin Hoeppner, Patrick Peterson, Ryan Van Cleave, and Troy Rasmussen. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Betty was born March 12, 1944, in Winside, Nebraska, to Frederick O. and Mary I. (Taylor) Mann. She was baptized at Theophilus Evangelical Church near Winside and attended schools near Hoskins and District #51 near Wayne before graduating from La Habra High School in California.

Betty was first married to Dan Carr, with whom she had her son, Scott, and daughter, Lisa. Later, she married the love of her life, Terry Graf, on April 30, 1982, at the United Presbyterian Church in Laurel, Nebraska. Together, they made their home in Laurel and shared many wonderful years until Terry’s passing in 2018.

She worked for 21 years at Providence Medical Center in Wayne, Nebraska, and was a long-time and faithful member of Faith Community Church in Laurel. Betty had a heart for serving others and a gentle spirit that touched all who knew her.

In her free time, Betty enjoyed quilting, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren—who were the light of her life.

She is survived by her children: Scott (Coleen) Carr of Columbia, SC; Lisa (Steve) Hansen of Laurel, NE; Melissa Graf of Belden, NE; and Trish (Scott) Sorenson of Fremont, NE. She is also survived by her brother Rick (Connie) Mann of Lincoln, NE; sisters Mary Peterson of Laurel, NE, and Nancy (Kenneth) Nair of Phoenix, AZ; a grandson Logan (Brooke) Hansen; three granddaughters Morgan (Ben) Barelman, Baylie Graf, and Ashley Whitehead; two great grandchildren Aleeya and Justice; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Mary Mann; her husband, Terry Graf (2018); stepsons Jim Graf and Rod Graf; and her brother-in-law, Myron Peterson.

Betty’s warmth, kindness, and deep love for her family will be remembered always.