Betty Marie Ober, 88, was born on November 7, 1937, in Tyndall, South Dakota, to Joseph and Francis Travnicek. She pursued a degree in Elementary Education and began her teaching career in one-room schoolhouses in Wagner and Yankton, South Dakota.

While teaching, Betty met fellow educator Martin C. Ober. They were married on May 25, 1958, in Tyndall and began building a life centered on family, faith, and community.

Following the birth of their son, Mark, the family relocated to Rapid City. Martin continued his career in education while Betty devoted herself to raising their growing family. Four years later, they welcomed their daughter, Lisa. Betty remained at home until both children were in school, after which she returned to the workforce as a receptionist for Dr. Michael Guilbert, O.D., a position she held for many years.

In 1993, Martin passed away unexpectedly. Betty later married Bob Gray in 2000. The couple made their home in Piedmont, South Dakota, where they spent many years together before health concerns eventually led them to reside in different parts of the state.

Betty embraced life with enthusiasm and dedication. She loved spending weekends camping with her family while her children were growing up and was an avid reader throughout her life. Every garden she tended reflected her care and attention, blooming beautifully under her watchful eye.

One of Betty's greatest joys was sharing her love of horses with her daughter, Lisa. Together they owned horses for many years and spent countless hours riding and caring for them. While living in Piedmont, Betty was an active member of her church community, singing in the choir and participating in annual cantatas. She was also involved in the sewing circle, 4-H, and the Lions Club.

Before fully retiring, Betty worked as an Information Specialist at the Welcome Center near Piedmont. A true people person, she cherished the opportunity to meet visitors and looked forward to going to work each day.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Francis Travnicek; her husband, Martin Ober; her ex-husband, Bob Gray; and her brother, Robert Travnicek.

She is survived by her son, Mark (Lorraine) Ober; her daughter, Lisa Hansen; her nephew, Gary (Janice) Travnicek; and her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Grandchildren:
Brandi (Coenrad) Koegelenberg, Tyler Ober, Michael Ober, E'mariyon Fox, Layne Hansen, Alexandra (Jayden) Schneider, and Aidan Hansen.

Great-Grandchildren:
Genevieve Koegelenberg and Charlotte Mae Schneider.