Betty Madsen began her life as Elizabeth LaVonne Sorkness on a family farm in central Minnesota. She was the fifth of six children in this family of dairy farmers. She attended a country school and later the Henning Public School. She moved to Minneapolis to attend nurses training school at Lutheran Deaconess Hospital.

Ron and Betty married and moved to Spring Park, Minnesota on June 1, 1957. As their family grew to include their three daughters, they eventually bought and remodeled a small hobby farm west of Minneapolis. Betty enjoyed the space to garden and to raise kids away from a busy neighborhood. We were blessed to grow up with a mom who spent time with us and gave us the best that life in the country had to offer. Most importantly, she made sure that she taught us about Jesus and His plan for His creation. Always a lover of books, she introduced us to many heroes of the faith through reading.

Betty and Ron were married for 64 years. Not only was mom a wife and mother, but she was the secretary for Madsen Plumbing and Heating for many of those years. She and Ron traveled the United States, enjoying the history and natural beauty. A trip to Norway was perhaps a highlight of their travels. Ron and Betty went through all the challenges and the joys of life together, supporting each other and growing along the way. Many have been blessed by their sweet commitment to each other as seen during the past several years of change. They have been an example of kindness and caring for all of us.

Betty was a grandmother and chief lefse maker of the family. As a woman who always enjoyed children, she certainly loved being a grandma. She had 11 grandchildren. She loved them all. She shared her hugs and smiles. Made funny faces, sang funny songs. She taught them all to love krumkake and lefse and sang to them about Jesus.

Betty and Ron moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas in November of 1998. They have loved the seasons, and the easier winters and the many wonderful friends and neighbors they have enjoyed knowing over the years. During the last 4 or 5 years of her life, Betty has maintained her happy smile that went right up into her blue blue eyes. She has been blessed by many people along the way who have lovingly come alongside her during life's changes. We cannot thank them enough. Betty continued to enjoy her family, her gardening, and her love of books.

Most recently, Betty taught us how to enjoy the moments. The moments of singing a song, of sharing a hug, enjoying a cookie, laughing with a great grandchild. She never lost her desire to help those around her. Her deepest desire was to enjoy heaven with her loved ones. We are blessed to know that she is there.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, February 7, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in the Bella Vista Baptist Church, 50 E. Lancashire Blvd., with the family receiving friends from 1:00 p.m. till service time.

Memorials may be made to Bella Vista Baptist Church, 50 E. Lancashire Blvd., Bella Vista, AR 72714 or to Samaritian's Purse and can be reached at www.samaritanspurse.org

On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com .