Betty Elliott, 98, a lifelong resident of Elderon, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Homme Home of Wittenberg. Betty was born Oct. 8, 1927, to Oliver and Maria (Yarish) Gilbertson.
On April 20, 1946, Betty married Arthur “Art” Elliott. Together they built a wonderful life in Elderon, where they lovingly raised their two sons, Ronald and Robert. Along the way, they owned and operated several local taverns, becoming familiar faces to generations of friends, neighbors and visitors.
Betty was never one to sit still. Whether she was picking potatoes for Gunderson Farms, preparing meals for children at Elderon Elementary School or cooking at The Wolff’s Den, she poured her heart into everything she did. She worked hard, loved deeply and found joy in caring for others.
A remarkably talented seamstress, Betty designed and created countless wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses and other formal wear for family, friends and neighbors throughout the years. Her craftsmanship and attention to detail became her signature, and generations of brides walked down the aisle wearing dresses made by Betty’s skilled hands. Long after the celebrations ended, her creations remained treasured keepsakes, a lasting reminder of the love she stitched into every piece.
Faith, family and community were at the heart of Betty’s life. She was an active member of the Elderon Memorial VFW Auxiliary, where she proudly served as both president and secretary. She also served as president of the Our Savior Lutheran Church Ladies Aid and was an active member of the Elderon Cemetery Club and the Elderon Improvement Club. Betty believed in giving back and was always ready to lend a helping hand wherever she was needed.
Those who knew Betty knew there was never a dull moment. She always had a story to tell, loved visiting with family and friends, and was happiest when surrounded by the people she loved. Her warmth, humor, hardworking spirit and generous heart touched everyone who knew her.
Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Art; her son, Ronald “Ronnie” Elliott; her brothers, Bob and Gaylen; her sister, Ruth; and her son-in-law Danny.
She is lovingly remembered by her son, Robert “Bobby,” and his wife, Laura, whose devoted care and companionship were a great comfort to Betty; her daughter-in-law, Sue; her sister, Sharon; her brothers, Mike and Steve; her grandchildren, Angela (Trent), Nicole (Jeff), Jodi (Brian), Ashley (Mike), and Ronn (Jane); her great-grandchildren, Dillion, Deseray, Nathan, Emmalita, McKenzie, Michael, William, Madelyn and Beckett; her special niece, Darla; many other nieces and nephews; her great-nieces and great-nephews, who affectionately knew her as “Aunty Grammie;” and her longtime friend, Christina, who remained faithfully by her side until the very end.
Betty’s legacy is woven through the lives of the people she loved, the community she faithfully served and the beautiful garments she created with such care. She will be remembered for her kindness, her tireless work ethic, her gift for storytelling and her ability to make everyone feel welcome.
As we say goodbye, we can’t help but picture Betty pushing open the door to Art and Betty’s one more time. Art looks up from behind the bar with that familiar smile. Ronnie and her brother, Bob, are already settled onto their favorite stools. Without saying a word, Art slides her beer across the bar, just the way she liked it. At last, they’re all together again.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at The Homme Home of Wittenberg and St. Croix Hospice, especially Jenny, for the extraordinary care, compassion and support they provided to Betty and her family.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Betty’s life Friday, Aug. 7, with visitation from 9-11 a.m. at Schmidt and Schulta Funeral Home in Wittenberg. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., with a luncheon immediately afterward at the Wittenberg Community Center.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Evergreen Rest Cemetery in Elderon. Following the burial, family and friends are invited to gather at MaMa’s Tavern to share a meal, a few drinks and memories of Betty, just as she would have wanted. Memories and messages of support may be shared at www.schmidtschulta.com.
