Bettie Louise was born on July 16, 1938 in Racine, Wisconsin. The daughter of Garrett and Elizabeth (Betty) VanSwol. Bettie graduated from Union Grove High School before moving to Minnesota to raise 5 children during her young adult life.
During the 1970’s Bettie was Co-founder of the Alexandria Listening Ear Crisis Center. During this time, she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Human Services. She worked for Lutheran Social Services as a counselor.
Bettie was also a cofounder and developed a Male Educational Support Group. During the mid-eighties Bettie was a Guardian Ad Litem for the Douglas County Court System and continued until her retirement. She also was a trainer for other Guardian Ad Litem’s throughout the seventh and ninth MN Judicial Districts.
On June 6, 1986, Bettie was united in marriage to J. Allan Anderson in Alexandria, MN. Together this blended marriage brought together seven children. After retirement, she was actively involved in many volunteer activities.
Bettie and Allan served with the Red Cross helping survivors after the Katrina hurricane. She served on the board of directors for the Alexandria Habitat for Humanity. Bettie also volunteered her time with LOVE Inc
She as an active member of Shalom Lutheran Church serving on the church council, choir, quilters group and organized newborn kits for Global Health Ministries. It was for this she would crochet over a 100 newborn hats a year for the kits. For many years, travel to Mexico brought Bettie and Allan to volunteering with children who lived in impoverished areas of the country.
Over the years, she enjoyed growing and drying flowers for Bettie’s Bloomers. Other actives were quilting, crocheting and large batch cooking! Bettie loved to travel with Allan and taking trips with their grandchildren.
Her joy continued whenever she could spend time with family and friends. Bettie passed over to eternal life on Friday, January 11, 2019 at the St. Cloud hospital following a massive stoke. She is survived by her husband Allan of 32 years along with herChildren: Carol (David) Rajdl, Carrie Sullivan, Chuck Stoltz, Calvin (Jill) Stoltz, Clifford Stoltz, Leigh (Shelly) Anderson, and Christopher Anderson.
Grandchildren: Travis Rajdl, Andrew Rajdl and fiancé (Stephanie Strasser) Kyla (Steve) Berninger, Grant Sullivan, Abby and Katie Anderson, and Sara, Emilie, Adam Stoltz. Great Grandchildren: Vivienne and Emelia Berninger. Her parents Garret and Betty VanSwol preceded her in death.
Visitation will take place on Thursday January 17, at Anderson Funeral Home from 4 – 7 PM. A Memorial Service to celebrate Bettie’s life will be held on Friday, January 18, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Shalom Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN. Burial will take place at the Hudson cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Shalom Lutheran Church, monetary gifts will be used for the newborn kits for Global Health Ministries.
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