Elizabeth "Betty" Josephson

Elizabeth Rebecca (Meade) Josephson was born on March 4, 1922, in Mellette, SD, to Fayette “FJ” and Lillian (Cullings) Meade. As a child, she moved with her family to Olivia, and later Marshall, where she graduated from high school in 1939. Betty attended Mankato State University. On December 29, 1942, she was united in marriage to Merrill Keith. To this union were born son Robert and daughter Deanna. On September 24, 1954, she was married to David Josephson. The couple resided in rural Minneota and to this union were born Kevin, Scott and Jyl. Betty worked for ASCS and later as a clerk for the Farm Bureau Office and the Minnesota Soil Conservation Service. Faith and family were very important to Betty. She was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church where she belonged to HLCW, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Betty had a beautiful singing voice. She sang many solos, participated in the Senior Choir (now known as the Jubilation Choir) and directed the Junior Choir. She was also involved with many other community activities including Cub Scouts, Brownie Scouts, 4-H, Nordland Social Circle and the Order of the Eastern Star. Betty enjoyed music and crafts, especially knitting, sewing, crocheting and embroidery. She also enjoyed baking, especially goodies with her grandchildren. Betty died on Thursday, December 18, 2014, at the Minneota Manor in Minneota. She is survived by her husband, David, of Minneota, children Robert (and Diann) Keith of Benton, IL, Deanna (and Ron) Graham of Fergus Falls, MN, Kevin (and Kristi) Josephson of Onalaska, WI, Scott (and Roberta) Josephson of Minneota, Jyl (and Jim Nelson) Josephson of Jersey City, NJ, grandchildren Heather Harriss, Daniel Keith, Kristi (and Chad) Jesse, Matthew Graham, Robyn (and Chris) Lawatsch, Chelsea Josephson, Hannah Josephson, Erin Josephson (fiance Jerren Roberts), Adam Josephson, Isaac Josephson, David Foster (and Brandon Charles), Aksel Nelson, 14 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, nieces, nephews, relatives and special friend Joyce Downing of Minneota. Betty was the last surviving member of her generation of the Fred C. Meade family. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Faye, Robert and Marguerite “Muggs” (Thompson).