Betty Jean (Rickard) Lovsness

Betty Jean (Rickard) Lovsness was born in Kanorado, Kansas on April 16, 1931, to Randal and Marguerite (Purdy) Rickard. She grew up in Denver, Colorado and graduated from Denver North High School in 1949. Afterwards, she attended business college and worked in the Denver office of Woolworths.

On June 15, 1951, Betty married Reed Lovsness and the couple moved to Alaska while he was serving in the US Army. In 1953, Betty and Reed returned to Minnesota and began farming west of Cottonwood until their retirement. She worked alongside Reed and sons, Lindon and Kirk, while raising crops and cattle.

Betty was a very active, longtime member of St. Lucas Lutheran Church. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school for many years, as well as reading, gardening, and time spent with friends. After retirement, Betty’s greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren on the way. She led a full life until her last day and often said “I love my 90’s.”

On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, Betty passed away at the age of 92 at her home at Fieldcrest in Cottonwood after a short, courageous battle with leukemia. She was preceded in death by her parents, Randal and Marguerite; husband, Reed; sister, Bonnie Knutson; brother, Randal Rickard; nieces, Nicki Rickard and Kristal Warnke; stepfather, Carl Carlson, and brother-in-law, Gordon Knutson.

Betty is survived by son, Lindon and his children, Jackson and Josie; son, Kirk (Valerie) Lovsness of Cottonwood and their children Andrew (Holly) and Molly; great-granddaughter, Paisley; stepdaughter, Carla (Gene) Paxton of Letts, Iowa, and sister, Joyce (Doug) Warnke.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Fieldcrest for the wonderful care given to Betty. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.  

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