Betty Jean (Norman) Carey

Betty Jean (Norman) Carey

April 3, 1924 - Dec. 14, 2012

DENVER, Colorado --Betty Carey passed away peacefully at Swedish Hospital in Denver, Colorado, on Dec. 14, 2012, at the age of 88. She was born April 3, 1924, to Frank and Meta (Christensen) Norman in Chase County, Nebraska. She was the second oldest of eight children.

Betty married Robert "Bob" Carey on Aug. 2, 1942, at the Chase County Courthouse in Imperial, Nebraska. Four children joined this union. Bob and Betty made their home in Palisade where Betty enjoyed being a homemaker and caring for her family. She worked for a time as a soda jerk at the local drug store, ran the dry cleaners in Palisade for a few years, and also worked for a time in the Hitchcock County Treasurer's office in Trenton.

She was active in her church, serving in the United Methodist Women's group, as well as teaching Sunday School. Betty was an avid reader and supporter of the local library, serving on the board for many years. She enjoyed attending other social activities, such as Home Study Club, the Palisade CS Club, and was instrumental in starting the Palisade Investment Club.

Children were a big part of Betty's life over the years. She served as a Boy Scout den mother, a Girl Scout leader, a 4-H leader and she loved taking kids to the lake with Bob for skiing and camping.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Meta Norman; her husband, Bob; a son, Gerry Carey; two sisters, Marcella (Norman) Waterman and Lylas (Norman) Hudson; two brothers, Vernon "Bud" Norman and Wendell "Wendy" Norman.

She is survived by her two daughters, Julie Carey of Elwood, Nebraska, and Lisa Kisinger and husband, Raymond of Palisade; one son, Brandon Carey and wife, Peggy of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; three brothers, Jim Norman and wife, Cleone, Elgin Norman and wife, Jean, all of Rochester, Minnesota and Merle Norman and wife, Anna Mae of Zumbro Falls, Minnesota; sisters-in-law, Marilyn and Eunice Norman, both of Rochester; four grandchildren, Sarah and husband, Joe Vrbas of Palisade, Travis Rotter and girlfriend Jessica Carfield of Lincoln, Nebraska, Jimmie Carey and girlfriend, Airen Popham of Oconto, Nebraska, and Heather Carey of Elwood; and five great-grandchildren, Peyton and Sawyer Vrbas of Palisade, Gavin and Landen Carey, and Raelyn Popham all of Oconto.

Memorials may be given in her name to Sunrise Heights Nursing Home in Wauneta or Palisade United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, from 3 -- 8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook.

Funeral services will be Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at Palisade United Methodist Church in Palisade with the Rev. Bonnie McCord officiating. Burial will be in the Palisade Cemetery.

Friends may send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.