Betty was born in Omaha and graduated from North High, where she was active in drama and played the leading role in her senior class play.  While attending Omaha University (now UNO) she met John Carlson at a Valentine’s Day party.  John had returned from serving in the U.S. Army during WWII.  Beginning with their first dance at the party, they enjoyed dancing together for more than fifty years.  On Palm Sunday in 1948, they married at Trinity Lutheran Church.  Betty was an active member of Trinity for nearly all of her ninety-four years of life.

With her fun-loving personality and sense of humor, Betty had a gift for connecting with people of all ages. She was devoted to her family and friends, who were often told that she loved them “night and day.”  She enjoyed cooking, baking and hosting gatherings.  Many grateful recipients received dozens of her special Christmas cookies every year.

Serving in the Compassionate Hearts ministry at Trinity, Betty used her skills as an empathetic listener to give comfort to many people.  Her Christian faith sustained her as she gracefully accepted the challenges of vision loss and declining health.

Betty is survived by her son, Alan (Karen) Carlson and daughter, Judy (Ken) Nanfito; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Ben) Godbey, Anne (Matt) Sutton, Sally (Dave) Rhodes, Samuel Nanfito and Eric (Kaitlin) Nanfito; great-grandchildren, Gentry, Colt, Gage, Lydia, Josie, Naomi, Westby, Max and Kingsley, along with many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, John P. Carlson; parents, Claude and Jennie Pflasterer; and brothers, Forrest and Donald Pflasterer.

We thank Care Consultants for the Aging, Flaherty Senior Consulting  and CHI Hospice for their assistance in her final months.  Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or Nebraska Children’s Home Society.

MOM C – SWEET SMILES
Our lives on earth are not so long,
This truth we’ve always known,
But true as well, we await with joy,
Our eternal home sweet home!
We’ll lift our voices in joyful song,
Those who’ve claimed the Lord our own,
Oh to be with our great Lord in glory,
For all eternity!
He has prepared a place for us,
For He loves us this we know,
We will see Jesus shining face,
And our true story will be told.
The good fight which you have fought so well,
This race you’ve run with grace,
Will be your crown as you enter His gates,
And gaze upon His face.
The kindness you have always shown,
Has left its mark on many.
You have truly touched us with your love;
Family, neighbors, friends so plenty.
Your legacy lives strong in those,
Blessed to cross your path.
Living love in action for all to see,
You’ve given us a map,
And a glimpse of heaven in your home,
Filled with laughter, warmth, and caring.
Sweet smiles you’ve shared,
Unconditional love not spared.
Treasured memories with you we have,
To forever cherish and hold dear.
Until we meet again someday,
Know you’re in our hearts and prayers.
With hope in the promises of God and His grace,
We’ll do our best to run our race.
We’ll strive to follow the great example you gave,
Till we shall see our Lord who conquered the grave,
And be greeted by you and Jesus with arms open wide,
To see your sweet smiles on the other side!

Love you Mom C!
(Written by Kathy Ray Manship, a friend of Judy’s since kindergarten)