Betty Rieker

Betty Rieker, 94, passed away September 9, 2020 at Stone Hearth Estates in Gothenburg, NE.

She was born November 15, 1925 on the family farm north of Eustis, NE, daughter of Otto and Sophia (Yeutter) Bartruff.  Betty was baptized at the Eustis Methodist Church. She attended rural school through 8th grade. Betty graduated from Eustis High School with the class of 1943.  After High School, she taught rural school north of Cozad for two years.  Due to her mother’s passing, Betty returned to help her father care for their home and her two younger sisters.   On April 15, 1947, Betty married Leonard Rieker. They were blessed with three daughters, Christine, Karen and Debra. They lived and farmed east of Farnam. From caring for livestock, to marketing grain, Betty was an integral part of their farming operation.  She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran church.

Leonard passed away on October 23, 1985.  Betty continued to enjoy her life on the farm. Her home was always welcoming. Betty’s flowers and beautiful farmyard were a testament to her love of the outdoors.  She moved to Stone Hearth Estates in Gothenburg, Nebraska in October, 2015.

Betty exercised her God given gift of caring for others.   Her visits, casseroles and homemade pretzels were appreciated by many.  Betty grew up playing cards for fun, and always enjoyed a good game.  She often attended ball games and always supported youth activities, including 4-H and the WINGS program at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Betty delighted in her family, most specifically her grandchildren. She patiently taught them many life skills- driving, canning, playing cards and pretzel making, just to name a few. Betty instilled within her children and grandchildren a lasting work ethic.

Survivors include her three daughters, Chris (Rick) Dunbar of Eustis, Karen (Rich) Miller of The Dalles, OR, and Deb (Pat) Hecox of Gothenburg;  grandchildren Brad (Courtney) Dunbar of Omaha,  Janine (Jeff) Williams of Grand Island, Brittany (Miles) Imwalle of Mill Valley, California, Collin (Maya) Miller of San Francisco, California, Heidi (Bryce) Anderson of Paragould, Arkansas, Helen (Josh) Cool of Gothenburg,   Robert Hecox of Stapleton; sister, Diane (Danny) Easterday of Eustis; sister-in-law Evelyn Bartruff of Eustis; brother-in-law Kenny Kugler of Elwood; 12 great grandchildren; special friends Dan & Ann Pohl and Nancy Laier.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Rieker, her parents, brothers, Vern, Otto Jr, Robert and infant brother Lloyd; sisters, Lucile Wahl Anderson, Doris Welle Hotchkiss, Marjorie Kugler; brothers-in-law Lorenz Wahl, Harley Anderson, Gilbert Welle, Robert Hotchkiss and sister-in-law Lorraine Bartruff.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Sunday, September 13, 2020, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

A private family service will be held on at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Graveside services for family and friends will be held on September 14, 2020 11:30 AM at the Eustis East Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the St. John’s Lutheran Church or the church of the donor’s choice.