Betty L. Keating

March 17, 1904 - Feb. 20, 2010

PALISADE -- Betty Leona Keating died Saturday (Feb. 20, 2010) at the El Dorado Manor Home in Trenton, at the age of 105.

She was born March 17, 1904 on the family farm north of Palisade in Hayes County, Neb., the daughter of the late Cyrus and Myrtle (Dunham) Smith. During the winter months Betty's father would move the family to California but would return to Palisade in the spring. Betty received her early education at Palisade and graduated from High School at Pomona, Calif., and for three years she attended U.C.L.A.

On Nov. 1, 1929, Betty married Walter Nicholas Keating at La Verne, Calif. They came to Palisade in 1929 where they spent their lives farming. Betty and Walter celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1979.

Betty was a 93-year-member of the United Methodist Church and a 70-year-member of the Palisade Order of Eastern Star that later merged with Eureka Chapter 86, Order of Eastern Star in McCook. She was also a member of the Jolly Jane Club for 57 years and the Federated Garden Club of Nebraska for over 50 years. Betty enjoyed cooking, sewing and her garden.

She was preceded in death by her husband Walter on March 28, 1988; one granddaughter, Colleen Fester; son-in-law, John Fester; two brothers and eight sisters.

Betty is survived by one daughter, Margaret "Peggy" Fester of Laramie, Wyo.; one son, Robert Keating and wife, Alta of Palisade; six grandchildren, Sharon DeKestler, Cindy Fester, Teresa Maddux, Deon Keating, Lesa Johnson, and Jim Johnson; eight great-grandchildren, Sabrina Sandoval, Blaine Johnson, Justin Hamilton, Alisha Johnson, Jenny Hamilton, Tristan Johnson, Jurlia DeKestler and Aidan DeKestler; four great-great-grandchildren, Mandy Sandavol, Lilian Sandavol, Cadence Sandavol and Ashton Johnson-Parker, relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, 2 p.m., at the United Methodist Church in Palisade with the Rev. Judith Dye officiating. Interment to follow at the Palisade Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in her name and visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Herrmann Funeral Home in McCook, which is in charge of the arrangements,