Mabeth Virginia "Betty" Theurer

Betty (Mrs. Fritz) Theurer, 94, formerly from Fergus Falls, MN died Tuesday, September 4, 2018, in Santa Barbara, CA.

Betty was born on May 6, 1924 in Fergus Falls, MN to Marsden and Vera Marie (Guile) Brimhall. She grew up in Fergus Falls, MN with her two brothers. Betty graduated from Washington High School as one of her graduating classes four valedictorians. Along with being studious, Betty was recognized with the VFW Citizenship award. She attended one year at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri and then transferred to the University of MN, graduating with honors and receiving a Bachelor of Science in X-Ray Technology. Betty was also honored by being chosen as Fergus Falls' first Homecoming Queen.

Betty married Dr. Frederic (Fritz) E. Theurer on June 6, 1947. Betty was the love of his life. They enjoyed 54 years of married life together. Together they were blessed with two children Dave Theurer (Santa Barbara, CA) and Lori Jo Jondahl (Pelican Rapids, MN). Betty was a woman of high principles. She lived her life according to the principles of faith first and family second, above all else. Betty demonstrated unconditional love and service throughout her life. Since early in her married life, Betty was involved in leadership roles in her church, youth groups and faith community. Betty was a member of the First Baptist Church (now CrossRoads) of Fergus Falls serving on the Deacon Board, Mission Board, Library Committee and as a teacher for Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School. In 1983 Betty was a co-founder of Agape Caring Pregnancy Center. She served various roles with the Agape Center including member of the Agape Board of Directors, Prayer Chairmen Coordinator, and counselor. Betty’s commitment to service included sponsoring 24 orphan children through World Vision and other Christian organizations. Betty also sponsored the work of many missionaries throughout the world. Betty enjoyed a very special relationship with Muoi Ngu Huynh from Viet Nam. She felt privileged to be able to tutor and help in mothering Muoi, following Muoi’s arrival from Vietnam. Betty loved classical and spiritual music, appreciated the beauty of nature and the many miracles of life.

As a mother and grandmother, she took great care to create a loving home. She hosted beautiful family celebrations and will always be remembered for her love and devotion to her family. She was a great cook and her family will savor memories of her ginger cream cookies, cranberry ice and many other favorite family recipes. Betty enjoyed traveling around the United States with her husband Fritz, especially to visit her children and grandchildren. Betty was blessed with three grandchildren Jamie Van Zandt, Sarah Theurer and Hannah Theurer and one great grandchild, Lily Van Zandt. In December 2011 Betty moved to Santa Barbara, CA to live in close proximity to her son, Dave, his wife, Linda and their children. Although she enjoyed living close to family and appreciated the beauty of Santa Barbara, Fergus Falls was her true home, where she lived most of her life.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Fritz, and her brothers, Marsden “Dick” and Bradford. Betty is survived by her children, Dave (Linda) and Lori. Her grandchildren, Jamie Van Zandt (Chad), Sarah Theurer and Hannah Theurer and her great granddaughter, Lily Van Zandt. She is also survived by Muoi Ngu Huynh and many beloved friends.

Memorials are preferred to World Vision www.worldvision.org/donate or
Direct Relief www.directrelief.org/donate

Visitation: one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 2 p.m. Saturday, September 15, 2018 at CrossRoads Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Ned Eerdmans
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls
Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements
onlinecondolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com