Bette J. Durheim

Bette J. Durheim, 95, of Aberdeen SD formerly of Ellendale, ND died December 27,2020 at Avera St Luke’s hospital, Aberdeen. She was born January 2,1925 to Roy and Bethel (Savey) Harm. She was raised and educated in the Ellendale area. In December of 1946 Bette married Elroy Braa. Five children were born from their union. They later divorced and Bette married Lyle Durheim. They resided on a farm near Ellendale until they moved into Ellendale. Bette was employed at the Ellendale nursing home for a time then through Dickey County in Home Health Care. Bette was a member of the Ellendale Church of the Nazarene. Throughout Bette’s life she enjoyed being involved with her church, Bible studies, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. Her hobbies were painting, ceramics, cooking and baking. Later she also enjoyed helping Becky Tatum at The Coffee Bean. Her greatest joy was her love for Jesus and her family. She enthusiastically celebrated both every Christmas which was evident in her decorations and family traditions. She had the gift of hospitality and thrived on gathering family and friends to enjoy her home cooked meals with lots of love and laughter. Her prayers and her laugh will be greatly missed. And so, we follow her example with joy. Grateful survivors who shared in her life are her son: Wayne Braa and Vida Jech of Rochester, MN; daughters: Kathleen (Gary) Workman, Billings, MT, Deborah (David) Powell, Aberdeen, SD, Wendolyn (Kermit) Hudson, Hattiesburg, MS. son-in-law: Gordon Schwab, (husband of DeLores); 15 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and 5 great great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, twin boys who died at birth, husband Lyle, daughter DeLores, two brothers, two sisters and one great great-grandson. A long overdue celebration of Bette’s life in loving memory was held Saturday, July 31, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at the Ellendale Church of the Nazarene. In honor of Bette’s love for trees, a Blue Spruce will be planted on the property of the Nazarene Church in Ellendale. In lieu of flowers her family welcomes donations to be sent to the Ellendale Church of the Nazarene, c/o Pastor Kelly Riggan, 112 5th St N, Ellendale ND 58436… for the care of God’s creation… and the souls of His people. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale.