BettyLou Rossbach

In Remembrance of Bettylou Rossbach

Living a full life to the age 95, Bettylou transitioned from this world on September 23, 2026. Born in Bottineau, ND, during the depression, she was the only daughter of Helen and Elmer. The challenging times brought her to St. Paul Park where she was raised by her paternal grandparents.

She absolutely loved to laugh and it was a guiding characteristic that defined her life. In her late teens and early 20’s she would often travel by bus to Minneapolis to spend time visiting close friends where they spent time downtown shopping and dancing at ballrooms and roller skating venues. They danced to live music of the big band era and it was at a roller skating ballroom where she met Jim, her future husband.

As she shifted roles from single life and being a keypunch operator, she began a life as a mother where she passed on the skills of cooking, baking, sewing, reading, gardening, arts, crafts, and probably, most importantly, how to handle relationships of family and friends where she offered sage advice until her passing to her children and grandchildren.

In the early 90’s, Bettylou and James moved to northern Minnesota where she felt grounded, and at home. They enjoyed the land, lakes, hiking, animals, winter, flowers, gardens, fishing, and a continuation of creating. She spent years caring for the flowers that she planted along her forest garden path along with the natural ones Mother Nature provided. It was there that many friends and family received the welcoming hospitality of food, lodging, and conversation that formed lifelong friendships that will long be remembered.

Betty was always creating. She started with cooking and sewing, including doll clothes and beaded crowns. She painted folk style furniture, excelled at cooking, baking and a legacy in later life was her beaded Christmas ornaments.

Preceded in death by her husband James, half sister Janice and survived by children Tony (Judy) Dawn, Carol; grandchildren, Rachel, Robin, Rhonda, Kay; great grandchildren Michele, Dustin, Ethan, Emma, Josh, A.J., Ben and great grandchild Kennedy.