Betty J. Hillesland

Betty Hillesland, 88, Grand Forks, ND, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 7, 2020, at Hatton Prairie Village in Hatton, ND. 

Betty was born March 15, 1931, the daughter of Alvin and Norma Nygaard.  She was raised on a farm near Finley, ND.  Betty moved to Fargo after High School where she attended Secretarial School and then worked for DeLendrecie's and Prudential Insurance.

Betty married Elmer Hillesland on July 3, 1953, at Ostervold Church near Finley, ND.  They met at a dance at Red Willow.  They lived in Aneta, ND, for a short period of time and then moved to Grand Forks where they raised three children.  Betty enjoyed traveling with her family, and one of her favorite trips was to Norway with her husband and her parents.  She loved to play the piano, dance with her husband, go for bike rides,  cross country ski, spend time with her many friends, and volunteer at her church, Calvary Lutheran.  Betty also kept busy going to circle, participating in birthday club, playing bridge, working elections, and volunteering at the hospital. 

Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and attending their activities.   She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.  She will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and three special nieces.  Survivors include three children:  David Hillesland (Lisa), Don Hillesland (Lori), and Jane Merrill (Dan); four grandchildren:  Ryan, Matthew, Kari, and Ben; two siblings:  Doris Vinger and Nate Nygaard.

Funeral Services will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12th at  3:00 p.m.  Visitation will be one hour prior at the church.  There will be a private burial at a later date. 

The family prefers memorials to the Alzheimer's Association.

*Thanks to the amazing staff at Maple View Memory Care in Grand Forks and Hatton Prairie Village in Hatton, ND, who took such good care of our Mother.