Betty Jean (Nygard) Hendrickson, 89

Betty Jean (Nygard) Hendrickson, 89, went peacefully home to her Lord and Savior on March 29, 2025. She came into this world on Oct. 24, 1935. She was raised in Ambrose, North Dakota. Growing up in a small town is something she wished every child could experience. The whole town was her playground and peer pressure, and bullying was something they never really knew.   

Betty and brother Mel entered a talent contest one year and won by singing (unrehearsed) "Ain’t She Sweet." She was very active in all school activities. Glee club, cheerleading, plays, and basketball. Her love for basketball followed her throughout life, first with Dave and following the Mobridge Tigers faithfully for all his basketball years. Then on to the Vikes and Vals where she was always known to be helpful to the refs.   

Betty met the love of her life and best friend when she and Don both worked for MDU. They were married 67 years and relocated seven times during that time, had two children and loved their life together. They were in Bismarck when Don retired but knew from their first visit in 1955 to Flathead country that they would retire here. In 1992 that was a reality.   

Betty was preceded in death by husband, Don, parents, Ole and Zora Nygard, sisters, Joann, Lois, Delores, and Iyla, and brothers, Irvin, Melvin, Donny and Larry.     

She is survived by son, David Hendrickson, daughter, Robin and Guy Shanks, grandson, Justin (Kieran) Foster, granddaughter, Samantha (Nathan) Harlow, and granddaughter, Charlotte Milchman, great-grandchildren, Brantley, Lincoln and Hadlee Grace, brother, Wally and sister, Donna.   

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Lamplighter Mental Health facility.