Memorial services for Betty Jean Abben will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. John Holt will officiate. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at First Lutheran Church. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery.

Betty Jean was born on Aug. 23, 1932, to parents George and Laura (Grinolds) Peterson in Albert Lea. She was a lifelong resident of Albert Lea, graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1950.

Betty Jean Peterson married the love of her life, Leland M. Abben, on Aug. 26, 1950. To this union, five children were born. She shared a special love with her husband, Lee. Betty was caring, loving and had a great sense of humor. Betty was a homemaker and took pride in her home and her appearance. She welcomed everyone into their home, offering guests delicious food and homemade baked goods. She was the rock of the family.

Betty loved camping trips with the family and fishing trips to Canada. In retirement, she and Leland took many bus trip,s adventuring around the United States. Betty was involved in a card club for many years and enjoyed spending time with friends as well. She was a history buff, enjoyed reading and would listen to an eclectic variety of music.

Her grandparents were charter members of First Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed being an active member. Faith and family were the most important things to Betty.

On Wednesday, May 2, 2018, Betty passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, at Oak Park Place in Albert Lea.

Survivors include her children Barbara (Wayne) Morfitt, Lori (Michael) Lobb, Christine (Duane) Schmidt, Garry Abben and Jane (Mick) Beighley; grandchildren Melanie, Matthew, Marc, Jon, Michael, Sarah, Jeremy, Brooke, Emily, Ethan and Meghan; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Carol Gilderhus; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Dorothy (Claire) Caldwell, Duane Abben and Gene Pacovsky; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leland Abben; parents George and Laura Peterson; sisters Barb Armstrong and Kathy Pacovsky; brothers George (Murdy), Tom and David Peterson; brother-in-law, Larry Gilderhus; and granddaughter, Rachel Beighley.

Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association, 7900 W. 78th St., Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN, 55439, or Mayo Clinic Hospice, 1705 SE Broadway, Health Reach Campus, Albert Lea, MN 56007.

Her memory will live on in her children’s hearts forever.