Betty McAllister (87) of Tulare, South Dakota died February 21, 2024 at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  Elizabeth “Betty” was born in Mitchell, South Dakota to Camilla (McCormick) and Nicholas Schleder on September 27, 1936.  She married Lance McAllister and to that union nine children were born.  Later, she added three children with Marvin Armstrong.

   Some of Betty’s early childhood was spent in the White Lake and Wessington Springs area where her father and his family farmed.  She also spent time with her mother in Minnesota and worked cleaning cabins at a resort and later at a café. After marrying, she spent time in Imperial, Nebraska and made a lifelong friend, remaining in touch through letters for the next 60 years.  Betty, Lance, and their children also lived in Montana before returning to Minnesota where they lived and worked in the Pine River, Jenkins, and Pequot Lakes communities.  When her three youngest children were born, they would go wild berry picking and visit a family friend and her husband at their lake home.  Betty’s memory for childhood friends and details was keen up until the last few days of her life.

   After moving to South Dakota, Betty dedicated her life to caring for others in her role of Nurse’s Aide/Medication Aide at Eastern Star Nursing Home.  She zipped down the halls faster than many and provided loving care to the residents.  Retiring earlier than planned, Betty moved to San Diego to care for a son for a few years before returning to Tulare.  While in California, she was able to visit her beloved brother George’s grave – a lifelong wish fulfilled.

   Life as a single mother was not easy, but she rarely complained and never quit; she worked hard and long hours to provide for her family.  Betty was humble, patient, generous, forgave easily, an excellent listener, and had a terrific laugh.  Throughout her life, she read voraciously and enjoyed watching true crime and reality shows, especially Survivor and Big Brother.  She was good at refinishing woodwork and livening up a room with colorful paint.  In recent years, she enjoyed feeding neighborhood cats and relaying the soap opera that ensued.  Betty recently commented how thankful she was for Facebook which allowed her to connect with others and keep up with the news.  She even learned how to send private chats and not post directly to people’s pages to ask a question.

   Betty will be missed by those fortunate enough to have known her.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers George and Bernard “Gene” Schleder, infant daughter Karen McAllister, sons Kendal and David McAllister, grandson Landon Decker, and great-grandson Trevor Kruthoff.  She is survived by her children Kevin (Shawn) McAllister, Karla Coulter, Kim Erickson, Karol McAllister, Brett McAllister, Valerie (Joe) Decker, Don (Shannon) Armstrong, Kristi (Joe) Kafka, Scott Armstrong, and grandson Ryan (Abigale) who she raised.  She will also be missed by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild.

   Consistent with her quiet and unassuming personality, Betty requested no funeral or memorial service.  Her family will honor her in a private ceremony at a later date.