Betty Kugler

Our beloved Betty Jean Kugler of Inavale, Nebraska peacefully slipped away, in her sleep, in the early morning of Thursday, April 27th, 2023 just 71 years young. Betty was born to James and Elizabeth on November 19th, in Torrington, WY. Her family moved to Denver, CO in 1958, where Betty attended Smiley Elementary and George Washington High School.

In May of 1970, Betty’s life changed when she found her soulmate, Calvin. The two were married soon after on December 4th, in Lakewood, CO. The couple built their first home and welcomed their first daughter in 1971. The following year Betty joined her husband, a national guardsman in Fort Lee, Virginia where he completed AIT training. The new bride lent her unwavering support while caring for their young daughter.

Betty and her husband returned to the greater Denver area feeding their entrepreneurial spirits building their own businesses within the Custom Home-building Industry, where they found great success. In 1973, Betty gave birth to their 2nd daughter, in 1976 the couple completed their family with a son.

The young family moved to Nebraska in 1982, and joined the greyhound racing industry. There the couple settled into the local community; finding a great host of friends while they embraced local culture and history by actively supporting all corners of the local community including merchants, the historic preservation of mainstreet and local tourism.

In 1989, Betty opened Friends N Company. Truly a thoughtful venture that lent to its name, Inspired by like minded, creative friends, artisans and supporters. Where friends warmly gathered around an antique table (a gift from Betty’s parents Jim & Elizabeth) offering custom interior design goods and services, home decor and gifts. The business expanded to a larger building with the addition of floral design services & continuing its tradition where friends gathered.

Betty and her husband returned to the custom home-building industry before retiring.

Being the selfless, loving daughter she always was, Betty (“Jeanie”) spent her days meticulously caring for her aging mother full-time. Betty was known for the epic love she shared with her husband, the infinite affection she showed her 3 children, 2 grandsons and their partners; her accepting, generous, warm, tender heart and genuine heart-felt friendship she extended to ALL.

Betty loved Pepsi, laughter, the sun, her flowers, shades of blue and purple, endless hours sitting on their deck with her husband, Calvin, at the start and end of each day taking in the sounds and beauty that enveloped them. She was the Communications Manager and Historian of the family, keeping everyone connected and “in-the-know” and loved talking on the phone for hours at a time. Betty seldom missed a call and you could always feel her love on the other end of the phone!

She was preceded in death by her father, Jimmy, her faithful feline companion Dunder and her son-in-law Douglas Kelsay.

Survived by her loving soulmate and life partner Calvin, her mother Elizabeth, her children: Karmen (Dustin), Melissa (Phillip) and Chad (Will), her grandchildren Nichollas (Kelly), Tyler (Kaitlyn), brother Bill (Sandy), niece Jodi (Chris) and her children, nephew Jason (Kendra) and their children.

Betty will eternally live in our hearts. Love you, buh-bye, be careful….

A celebration of life was held Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Red Cloud Golf Course for family and friends.

Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska  68970

Phone 402-746-2500
williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Kugler, please visit our floral store.