Elizabeth “Betty” Luebke had this fun spirited sense of humor. She had an amazing acceptance, loyal and understanding personality of those she cared and loved the most. Betty, age 79, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, from a long battle with cancer. She was a resident of Burnsville, MN and formerly of Shakopee, MN.
A time of gathering will be held on Wednesday, November 1 from 10 – 12 (noon), with closing words at 12 (noon), both at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN. Memorials are preferred to the family.
Born on January 30, 1938, at the Wagner homestead in Chanhassen Township (now Hazeltine), Elizabeth Anna was the daughter to Edwin O. and Emma L. (Engelman) Luebke. She always said she was born on the 19th hole! Raised in a big family, Betty often found herself in a bit of mischief! She always lived life to the fullest. Betty especially enjoyed her high school years, participating in the theatre, attending school dances and roller skating. She was always the life of the party! Betty proudly graduated from Shakopee High School in 1956.
Betty had a career in hospitality at Eddie Websters, The St Paul House and Picasso restaurants. She then started working in the customer service field for numerous printing and transportation companies. Here, she used her people skill and was well liked by her customers. She was friendly and outgoing, always cracking jokes and staying positive. It was Betty’s career as a loving and dedicated mother, was the most important and her greatest accomplishment. In 1973, Betty welcomed into her arms a precious baby girl named Jessica. Raising her as a single parent, Betty contributes her daughter’s success with an abundance of help from family and friends. A special thank you is extended to the Wherley family. Together, Betty and Jess enjoyed traveling to visit family in California, Connecticut and other special destinations. She encouraged, supported and loved to watch her daughter in gymnastics. When Jess was older, Betty loved to take her to the casino, they enjoyed dinners, playing scrabble, and just hanging out together.
The front door was always open, whether two legged or four legged friends. The neighborhood kids and pets always knew where to go for treats. She enjoyed chatting with the neighbors and watching the kids play soccer out front. Betty’s amazing personality later attribute of acting as a “second mom” to Jess’ friends. She was the proud Godmother to Amy LeBeau and Julie Norgren. Betty was also the adopted ‘Grandma B’ to Elle.
Betty never sat idle! She loved planning and attending high school reunions. She was a lifelong dedicated a friend and classmate. Betty was proud of her German heritage. She loved going to the casino, collecting Betty Boop items and taking her chance at scratch offs and pull tabs. Betty enjoyed quiet times, reading murder mystery and crime novels, watching crime TV, and completing crossword puzzles. She enjoyed a friendly game of Scrabble, Cribbage and playing 500 and Rummy with her friends and family. Betty too loved western shows, cowboys and was quite good as a storyteller and writer. She relished gardening, watching hummingbirds and finding treasures at the thrift stores.
Forever missed and loved by daughter, Jessica; sisters, Darlene (Wayne) Hansen, Mary Ann (Jack) Cullum; sister-in-law, Polly Luebke; many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends whom she thought of as close family. There to welcome Betty home in heaven are her parents, Edwin and Emma Luebke; siblings, Marlys (Roy) Teich, Harlan Luebke, Dorothy (Allan) Schense, Charles (Mona) Luebke and Earl (Lois) Luebke.
Betty’s family extends their gratitude and appreciation to Dr Dien and staff of Minnesota Oncology, Fairview Hospice, Jet-Black Driveways, and Meals on Wheels.
