Betty Norgard

Betty Norgard November 9, 1930 – March 13, 2025 Betty Marie Norgard passed away March 13, 2025 at age of 94. 

She passed at Ponderosa Villa with her family by her side. Services will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Crawford, NE on Tuesday March 18, 2025 at 10 A.M. Chamberlain Mortuary is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Burial will follow at the Crawford Cemetery. 

Betty Marie DeWitt was born in Englewood, CO on November 9, 1930 to William and Mary (Reiff DeWitt. She attended school in Wheatridge, CO until 1947. The family then moved to Crawford where Betty graduated from Crawford High School in 1948. Betty met Virlyn Norgard and they were married on November 5, 1950. They were parents to three children Steve, Peggy and Jim. Virlyn and Betty owned and operated the Norgard Hatchery for 28 years where Betty was the office manager of the hatchery working along side Virlyn. After selling the hatchery in 1977 she attended Chadron State College getting a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. Betty was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and was active with the Lutheran Ladies Aid. She became the accountant for several business including Snyder Law, Solar Motors, Fort Robinson State Park and Baker Accounting to name a few. Betty was involved with the City of Crawford as City Council member from 1972 to 1975. She became the Mayor of Crawford from 1975 to 1978. She was proud of the work she did on helping build the Ponderosa Villa and Settlement. She was involved in many organizations such as Toastmasters and was the Co-chairman of the Fort Robinson Western Art Show in the 1980’s.

Betty and Virlyn raised their children in Crawford where they and the children all attended and graduated from Crawford High School. Virlyn passed away in 2018 at the age of 99. She was proceeded in death by her parents, William and Mary DeWitt, brother Don DeWitt, sisters Evelyn Wolfe and Lorrain Carter. Surviving Betty are children Steve Norgard of Aurora, CO, Peggy (John) Carolan, Tucson, AZ, Jim (Ronda) Norgard Windsor, CO and her dear grand dog, Hannah, her grandchildren, Jeff (Erin) Norgard, Mike (Jeanelle) Norgard, Casey (Caren) Norgard, great grandchildren, Amelia and Lucy Norgard and her longtime friend Verona Douthit who helped always. She leaves behind many friends and family members. 

Donations may be given to Ponderosa Villa Auxiliary or the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department.  Donations May be sent to Verona Douthit at 107 Paddock St. Crawford, NE 69339.