Betty Schweyen • 1922 - 2010

Betty Schweyen, 88, Berthold, ND, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 30, 2010, at ManorCare Health Services in Minot, with her family at her bedside.

Betty Mae Smith was born at home in Makoti, ND, on January 24, 1922, to John and Ada (Roemer) Smith. She was raised on a farm, which had been purchased by her parents who were from Minnesota. She was the second child and only daughter of four children.

She was educated in the Makoti school district and graduated in 1940. She went on to obtain her teaching degree from the Minot State Teachers College, now known as Minot State University. After graduating there, she accepted a teaching position in Northgate, ND.

In 1943, she married Theodore Schweyen, only several months before he was drafted into service for WWII. During the war, she moved to be near her parents and taught school at Parshall, ND until the birth of her and Ted’s second son. Upon returning from service, her husband resumed work with the Great Northern Railroad. In the early years this job brought about relocation; Betty taught school at Appam, ND for one year while they were settled there.

A third son, David, lived just over a year and a half. Two more children were born in Hartland, ND, where Ted and Betty lived at that time.

In 1958, they moved to Berthold, ND.  Betty gave birth to four more children, and Berthold became their home for many years. It was in Berthold where she and Ted finished raising what had become their large family, and where they finally retired together. Still, they were always busy with family and grandchildren.

Betty was active at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Berthold, teaching catechism, playing piano, and being involved in other church activities.

At home, she did much gardening and canning with Ted, but tended to like the arts. She was a prolific reader. Having read the Bible from cover to cover six times or more, she spot read from it often and especially liked to quote from her favorite Bible verses. She was gifted musically. In addition to playing the piano by note, she could pick up on any tune by ear and play it successfully with little practice. She had done solo singing and violin playing in her younger years. Enjoying writing and occasional poetry, she had written a weekly editorial in college for the newspaper there, known as the Red and Green.

Betty's faith and family were at the center of her life. She will be remembered by her children as a very loving mother who put both God and family first.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Theodore Schweyen; and her children, who are Theodore Schweyen Jr., Graham, WA, Jonathan Schweyen, West Seattle, WA, Stephen (Lauri) Schweyen, Seattle, WA, Margaret (Duane) Howey, Minot, ND, Katherine (Darrell) Lafontaine, Minot, ND, Mary Anne (Howard) Dion, Enumclaw, WA,  Jean Marie (Gary) Bryans, Minot, ND, and William (Tami) Schweyen, Bonney Lake, WA. She is also survived by 34 grandchildren; and 36 great-grandchildren; one brother, James (Marilyn) Smith, Valley City, ND; a sister-in-law, Shirley Smith, Makoti, ND; and a brother-in-law, Leland (Rosemary) Schweyen, Northgate, ND.

Along with being preceded in death by their son, David; she was also preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Elizabeth and Nicholas Schweyen; three grandchildren, Jon and Joseph Schweyen, and Thomas Haaland; two brothers, Vincent Smith and Richard Smith; and sisters-in-law, Marbelle Smith, Luella Schweyen, and Inez Stringer.

Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, January 5, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Berthold.

Interment:  Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND, at 2:00 pm.

Visitation:  Tuesday from 2 to 7 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

All Memorials will be donated to Catholics Come Home.

Celebrants
Father Michael Millard and Deacon Steve Streitz

Altar Servers
Timothy Dion and Austin Schweyen 

Lectors
Laura Grueneberg and Sarah Watts
Psalm- Maria Dion

Gift Bearers
Jennafer and Kristina Schweyen, Melissa Dion

Music
Processional Hymn: “Morning Has Broken”
Psalm: Psalm 27 “The Lord Is My Light”
Offertory Hymn: “Be Not Afraid”
Communion: “I Am the Bread of Life”
Meditative Song: “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman”
Commendation: “Song of Farewell”
Recessional Hymn: “Prayer of St. Francis”

Vocalists/Song Leaders
Teresa, Maria, Monica Dion, Michelle Lindberg

Accompanist
Gayle Hanna

Pall Bearers: Matthew Schweyen,  Ryan Bryans, John Paul LaFontaine, Charles  Schweyen               Zachary Smith,  Anthony LaFontaine, Jacob  Smith, Donald Nelson

Our family would like to thank all of you for your many acts of kindness. Your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated during this difficult time. May God bless the family and friends of our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

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