Betty Jean Ellingson

Betty Jean (Fredrickson) Ellingson, 90, rural Dahlen, ND, passed on into Glory on September 5, 2023 with her family by her side under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley and the staff of the Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Larimore, ND.

Betty Jean was born on September 12, 1932, the daughter of Joe F. Fredrickson and Clara Bertina Helgeson Fredrickson, rural Dahlen, ND. She was the granddaughter of Norwegian immigrants who came to the Dahlen and Quale communities. She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church, rural Dahlen, and confirmed at Dahlen Lutheran Church. She grew up in the Dahlen community and graduated from high school there in 1950.

Betty Jean Fredrickson and Trueman Elroy Ellingson were married on June 10, 1951 at Dahlen Lutheran Church. They were blessed with two children, Rennae Jeanette and Terry Allen. She was a super-mom to her lucky children.

Betty Jean was a strong, hard-working farmer’s wife; milking cows, lugging milkers, and feeding calves. She was in her glory at harvest, bringing full meals out to the field with mashed potatoes, gravy, meat, vegetables, and dessert.  She also was a willing “go-fer”, driving many miles to pick up a part for a broken-down tractor, combine or truck. Her Chevy Silverado pickup was always on the go!

Betty Jean was an over-the-top excellent cook, baker, and canner. Many a machinery repairman, insurance salesman, and bull buyer would “just happen” to stop by the farm just before noon. They had either heard about her good cooking or had experienced it before. If they came in the yard, they knew they would be invited in for the noon meal which always included homemade bread and dessert. She was well known by the oldest grandchildren for her rommegrøt and known by her nephew, Larry Ellingson, for her donuts. He was always on the hunt for them. Many lugs of pears and peaches were canned/frozen in the summer for enjoyment during the winter months. She was well-prepared for cooking with literally hundreds of recipes organized in three ring binders with many categories for easy access. She loved trying new recipes and bringing them to potlucks at church. Her great-nephews, Jeff and Jay Rislov, called her “Betty Crocker” and she was aptly named.

Betty Jean kept the Hallmark Card Company in business as she was always sending cards to those in the hospital, nursing homes, or families with new babies. When she came to Grand Forks she always had a list of cards she needed to buy and spent time looking through the card racks to find just the right one. Sometimes she would come to Grand Forks just to buy the cards she needed.  She was so very thoughtful.

Betty Jean was very active in the community and at Dahlen Lutheran Church, especially the Sunday School, Church Choir and Ladies Aid/WELCA groups. For many years she belonged to the Dahlen Homemakers Club and was also part of a birthday club. She enjoyed hosting these friends and made sure everything was just right when they arrived.

The grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She loved them fiercely and they loved her fiercely in return. Paul, Eric, John & Marit were the crown jewels of a life well lived.

Betty Jean and Trueman were married for 54 years before his passing in March of 2005. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sister Orpha & brother Floyd, and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

She is survived by her daughter Rennae and husband Keith of Grand Forks, ND and son Terry and wife Dee Ann of Dahlen along with four grandchildren: Paul & Eric Millette and John & Marit Ellingson. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Ken Ellingson; sister-in-law, June Ellingson; brother-in-law Bud Ellingson and his wife Judy, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Good Samaritan Home in Larimore for their excellent care and concern for Mom throughout the 5+ years she resided there.  We have also appreciated the amazing care from Hospice of the Red River Valley these last few months.

The Lord was her strength and has been faithful to her as He promised (Psalm 119). We will miss her so very much.  Blessed be her memory.

Funeral Services will be held on September 14th at 1 pm at Dahlen Lutheran Church with a visitation one hour before the service. Interment will be at Zion Cemetery.

***Memorials may be given to the Dahlen Lutheran Church (206 Main Street, Dahlen ND 58224) or the charity of your choice.