Betty Louise (Blackstone) Forsstrom

Betty Louise Forsstrom, 89, of Ogallala, NE, passed away Monday, February 27, 2023 in Ogallala.

She was born March 24th, 1933 in Bayard, NE, to parents Joe and Lela (Meredith) Blackstone.  She grew up on the family farm at Bayard and moved to Hemingford, NE where she graduated in 1950.  Betty attended Chadron State College that summer to receive her teaching certificate.

Betty married her high school sweetheart, Dale, on August 4th, 1951.  This was the beginning of a lifelong partnership which blessed them with 3 children; Carla, Kathy and Doug.

The beginning of her entrepreneurial life with Dale started with a small dairy herd that she bottled and delivered the milk in Hemingford. Later, they purchased the Dairy King, which Betty operated, and Dale had his barber shop from 1959-1964.

The next two years the family lived in Hastings, NE, where they operated the Culligan Soft Water business.

After a few camping trips to Lake McConaughy, Betty and Dale set their sights on Ogallala.  They purchased Pete’s Package Liquor Store and later, the Culligan Soft Water Co., thus beginning their tenure as local fixtures in Ogallala.  

Betty was employed at Keith Co. Bank, now known as Adams Bank & Trust for 10 plus years.  She was active in the Ogallala Chamber of Commerce and received the Outstanding Woman of the Year award in 1976.

In 1978, Betty and Dale purchased what became the local, legendary Pioneer Trails Steakhouse.  Betty was the hostess and the first one to greet you.  She was known for her high heels, jewelry and a friendly smile.  They added Valentino’s pizza to the local restaurant and it is still in place today.

Betty’s family was always close to her heart and she made every family gathering special with lots of food and laughter.  Nothing was better than having her grandchildren and great grandchildren with her.  She shared her birthday with two of her grandchildren, Dustin and Sara.

Her flower garden was her passion in retirement and was enjoyed by all.

Betty can best be described as a loving, gracious, fashionable, and classy lady!

She was a 60 year plus member of First United Methodist Church.

She is survived by; her two daughters Carla Flansburg, of Ogallala, Kathy (Gene)Collins of Castlerock, Colorado; a son Doug(Kristin) Forsstrom of Lone Tree, Colorado; grandchildren, Darby (Erica) Flansburg of Ogallala, Dustin (Liesel) Flansburg of Falcon, Colorado, Shawn (Katy) Forsstrom of Arvada, Colorado, Sara (Dan) Vaughn of Parker, Colorado, Chad (Meredith) Collins of Parker, Colorado; 8 great-grandchildren with one on the way, Sadie, Tenlie, Addlie, Gavin and Cason Flansburg, Rylan and baby  Collins, Henry Vaughn and Grayson Forsstrom; sister LaVonne Blackstone of Ogden, Utah and sister in-law Eloise “Cookie” (Marv) Kampbell of Hay Springs and her nieces and nephews.

Betty is preceded in death by; her husband Dale Forsstrom; son-in-law, Danny Flansburg; parents Joe and Lela Blackstone; sister, Joan Fryman and brother, Chuck Blackstone.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, March 6th, 2023 at the Ogallala First United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Curt Magelky officiating.  

Inurnment will be at the Ogallala Cemetery.
 
A memorial has been established in her memory.

Online condolences may be sent by going to www.drauckerfh.com. Services will be live streamed by clicking the watch live button. 

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.