Elizabeth "Betty" Louise Ellertson

Elizabeth (Betty) Louise Ellertson, 92, formerly of Grand Forks, ND passed away peacefully on January 2, 2018 in Brainerd, MN. Betty was born on June 26, 1925 to Minnie and Lee Ervin in Hatton, ND. Betty had fond memories of her early days in Hatton and Northwood and the lifelong friendships that developed. Betty moved to Tacoma, WA with her parents in 1942 and graduated from Stadium High School. She worked in the Boeing shipyards during the war. On October 31, 1944 Betty married Henry "Hank" Ellertson in Larimore, ND. Together, they would build their first home in Tacoma, WA. Betty loved the ocean fishing and camping in the mountains. She delighted in the birth of her daughter, Rebecca "Becky" Louise.  In 1955, Betty and Hank returned to Grand Forks and built their home on Belmont Rd. Betty and Hank joined his brother, Nels, to grow the Ellertson Steel Building company in Grand Forks and Idaho Falls; later, Hank and Betty would establish one in Devils Lake.  Wherever Betty lived, she created a beautiful space where people gathered and they were treated as her special guests. Betty's gift of hospitality, coupled with her creative spirit, quick wit and sharp mind, made her an excellent business partner and wife. Together, Betty and Hank formed a beautiful partnership and created a wonderful life for their family. She was a past member of the Grand Forks Curling Club and was a member of Calvary Lutheran since 1957. Betty enjoyed gardening and flowers, especially those colored red. During their life together, Betty and Hank traveled the entire United States. They loved to spend winters in the sunshine of Florida, California and Arizona. The friendships formed in Hatton, Northwood, Tacoma, Idaho and Grand Forks resulted in many car trips, card games and much laughter as they celebrated life with their dearest friends. After 60 years of marriage, Henry died in 2004. In 2011, Betty moved to Brainerd, MN to be closer to her daughter and family. Her greatest joy was to spend time with her 8 great-grandchildren;to serve them brownies and "Gigi, may I have another brownie" made her beam. Her daughter, grandchildren and great- grandchildren smile in awe as we think of all that she sewed,painted, cooked, designed, organized, and directed throughout our lives. A table will never be set as well nor a party be quite as much fun and no one will cheer us on with the same joy and delight.  She is greatly missed by her daughter, Becky (Lyle) MacIver of Brainerd, MN; grandchildren, Heather (Chad) MacIver Arnold of Peoria, IL, Robroy (Colette) MacIver of Minneapolis, MN, Hilary (Eric) Johnson of Nisswa, MN; and great-grandchildren, Henry Arnold, Eva MacIver, Emily Arnold, Matthew MacIver, Gavin Johnson, Jonathan Arnold, Ethan Johnson, and Mark MacIver. The family wishes to thank Dr. Jim Freeman and the entire staff at Brainerd Edgewood Vista for their attentive care. **In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calvary Lutheran or a charity of your choice. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 on Monday, January 8, 2018 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, ND, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Memorial Park North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.