Betty Graff

Betty Graff, 96, a resident of Fergus Falls, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family and under the care of hospice.

Betty Lou (Turner) Graff, was born on January 29, 1927 to Martin and Ina (Brown) Turner in rural Pierce County, WI. She attended Missouri Valley Country School and Colfax High School, graduating in 1944. Betty had fond memories of growing up in Wisconsin, especially playing with barn kittens, making syrup with her mom and dad and seeing the wildflowers blooming in the fields. She met Clyde Graff at the Ridgeland Memorial Day Fair and they were married in 1944. To this union 12 children were born. Clyde and Betty resided in Union Center WI before moving to Fergus Falls in 1957. Clyde passed away in 1962.

Betty was a fiercely devoted mother and grandmother who exemplified steadfast, unconditional love for her family throughout her life. As a young widow, things weren’t always easy, but Betty walked through all of life’s hardships with valiant strength and unshakable faith. She rarely complained. She loved being a mother and said that she treasured getting up with her babies during the middle of the night, because that is when she had them all to herself.

Betty gave selflessly of her time and talents and her family and friends enjoyed her large holiday meals, tasty desserts, canned goods, handmade clothing, costumes and dolls and her beautiful backyard flower gardens. Betty worked as a cook for the Fergus Falls High School where she was famous for her toffee and peanut butter bars. She also enjoyed walks, embroidery, reading her Bible, playing cards and dice games, picking berries and following the Minnesota Twins. Above all, Betty cherished time spent with her family and friends.

She is survived by her children: Babs Graff, Karla (Arnie) Bergsten, Judy (Jeff) Otto, Mark (Connie) Graff, Myron (Deb) Graff, Harley Graff, Dave (Kim) Graff, Brian (Missy) Graff, Joan (Kevin) Burkhardsmeier and Karen (Connie Grazia) Graff; 16 grandchildren: Kim (Tom) Johnson, Kris (Mike) Cookson, Kevin (Heather) Bergsten, Aaron (Tara) Otto, Eric (Cory) Otto, Heather (Josh) Otto, Kerian (Troy) Stenstrom, Tim (Jenni) Graff, Leah (Matthew) Koalska, Kelli (Darrin Wilde) Graff, Nicole (Justin) Smith, Hannah (Chris) Wagner, Matti (Jack) Wangerin, Josiah (Sarah) Burkhardsmeier, Gabby (Rowan Joseph) Burkhardsmeier, Summer Graff and granddaughter-in-law, Lois Graff; 41 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. She adored everyone. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ethel Graff, many nieces and nephews and her devoted friend, Sherry Gronwold, who provided tender care for Betty in her last days.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Clyde; her brothers, Gerald, Darwin and Coid; two infant children, John and Brenda and one grandchild, Lance Graff.

Blessed be the memory of Betty Lou Graff.

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 3, 2023 at the Olson Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume one-hour prior to the service.
Service: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at the Olson Funeral Home Chapel, Fergus Falls, MN
Clergy: Pastor Kevin Burkhardsmeier
Interment: St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Menomonie, WI

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.