Betty Jean Ruzicka

Betty Jean (Kelley) Ruzicka was born March 1, 1941 in Grafton, ND to the late Carl and Lillie (Carlson) Kelley. She grew up on the family farm and attended country grade school. She attended high school in Fordville, and graduated from Thief River Falls High School.

On June 5, 1960 she was united in marriage to Allen Ruzicka at Quale Lutheran Church. Betty farmed side by side with Allen her whole life.

Betty was baptized, confirmed, and a lifetime member of Quale Lutheran Church. Betty was a 55 year member of the Lankin American Legion Auxiliary, and held many offices in the organization. She was a leader of the Buttercups 4-H Club for 21 years and was involved with the Walsh County Fair as a judge as well as entering exhibits in the open class. She was a Princess House and Home Interior representative for many years and loved traveling and helping people decorate their homes. She was currently working at the Good Samaritan Center in Park River as an aide for the past 14 years.

Betty enjoyed following her grandkids’ events, basketball, volleyball, football, baseball & softball as well as school concerts and proms. She enjoyed sewing, crafts, baking and collecting a wide variety of things and her favorite pastime was rummaging.

Betty is survived by her husband Allen, daughter Penny (Jon) Vikander, Oxbow, ND and son Lee (Christy) Ruzicka of Fordville, ND, five grandchildren, Danielle, Shayna, and Joshua Ruzicka and Leah and Max Vikander, brother Maynard Kelley, sister-in-law Elaine Kelley, brother-in-law Albert Krueger, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Lorraine, Corrine, LaVerne, Avis, Yvonne, Dolores (Honey), Edith, Doris, and brothers Arnold and Carl Jr.

Betty Ruzicka passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND at the age of 75. May her memory be blessed.

FUNERAL SERVICES: 10 a.m. Monday, July 11, 2016 at Quale Lutheran Church rural Fordville, ND.

VISITATION: Sunday, July 10 from 5-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service held in Quale Lutheran Church. Visitation will also be for one hour prior to the service Monday.

INTERMENT: Quale Church Cemetery.