Betty Helland

Betty Helland, 89, Moorhead, MN, died Thursday, October 17, 2013, in Golden Living Center, Moorhead.

Bertha Elizabeth Golliet was born on September 29, 1924, to Homer and Minnie Golliet, on a farm near Gardner, ND. She graduated from high school in 1942, in Casselton, ND, and attended St. John's Nursing school, Fargo, ND, becoming a Registered Nurse in 1945. Betty maintained lifelong friendships with many of her nursing classmates and teachers. She worked at St. Luke's and St. John's hospitals and several nursing homes in Fargo. She took time off to raise her children and when she returned to work, she chose the night shift so she could be home when her kids came home from school. This was one example of the many ways she would sacrifice to make life better for others.

Betty married Warren 'Bud' Helland on July 15, 1949. They had five children, but lost a daughter, Nancy, at age seven and son, David, at 11 months. Betty retired from Bethany on University in Fargo in 1984 to care for both her mother and Bud. They enjoyed spending time at the lake, playing cards, dancing, and in later years, spending some time in Arizona during the winter. At the core of her heart, Betty was a caregiver and her love of caring for people was evident in everything she did. It seems she never had time to sit still or find a hobby, as there was always something that needed to be done for someone else. She was a good neighbor, a good friend, and loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Betty is survived by her son, Jim (Cyndi Gigler), Harwood, ND; daughters, Ann (Kevin) Johnson, Bemidji, MN, and Laurie Geyer, Fargo; brother, Merrill (Ellen), Edina, MN; seven grandchildren, Jamie Larson, Jenny (Frank) Thomas, Lucas and Becky Geyer, Aaron, Alyssa and Kyle Johnson; two stepgrandchildren, Stacy (Josh) Warg, and Jamie Geyer; two great-grandchildren, Skyler and Rain Larson; and three great-stepgrandchildren, Chloe, Dexter, and Lily Warg.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bud; daughter, Nancy; son, David; great-grandson, Ryder; brother, Harold; sister, Doris; and dear friend, Tom Flashe.

Memorial Service: Monday, October 21, 2013, at 3 PM, in Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead.