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Betty Svihovec, age 87, of Hettinger, ND, passed away at her home in Hettinger, ND, on Saturday, February 10, 2024.

Funeral services for Betty will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the United Methodist Church in Hettinger, ND.  Pastor Laurie Kidd will officiate with burial to follow in the Hettinger Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024 at the United Methodist Church in Hettinger.  A family and prayer service will follow at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Betty Lou Svihovec, the youngest of five children, was born on April 24, 1936, to Rena (Lewis) and James Svihovec. She attended Hettinger Public School and graduated in 1954. She began her working career as a clerk in the Adams County courthouse and became the Adams County Auditor in 1958 where she immersed herself in both county and later city government keeping accurate records about official proceedings for Adams County and reporting to the county commissioners. In her role as county auditor, Betty was involved in preserving all documents for the county as well as being the chief election officer and ensuring fair and accurate elections for the citizens. Always civic-minded, Betty encouraged community involvement, and she lived that advice herself. She was a member of several local and state organizations and boards, and even served as the state president of the North Dakota Auditors' Association. Janell Rudel, retired Wells County Auditor said the following about Betty. "Betty was such a classy lady…she mentored all of us auditors throughout our terms always wanting to get that Mill Levy Sheet easier to understand. She received the ND County Elected Official of the year in 1995 and was so respected by her peers. Rest in peace our dear Betty." Betty was a proud member of the Business and Professional Women and was an active member for years. She was a member of the Hettinger United Methodist Church and served as organist, director of youth music activities, and was a Sunday school teacher. Betty loved music and played the organ every Sunday at church and volunteered to sing at many weddings and other events. She had a passion for preserving the history of her community and state and volunteered her time on the Dakota Buttes Museum Board. Betty contributed to many organizations, and it would be difficult to list all of them here. Many people benefited from her time, and she gave willingly.

Betty dearly loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She especially enjoyed time with her many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Each one held a dear spot in her heart. She liked to tell stories about each of them when they were little. It was her way of letting them know that they were special. Betty had a way of listening and making those who entered her orbit feel special – especially young people. In her own way, Betty adopted the community into her family and touched so many lives. It was her wish to leave a legacy and template for what a class act was.

Betty was preceded in death by her mother Rena, her father James, her siblings Fay Schmaltz, Lila Blandy, and Delmar Svihovec, her nephew Duane "Tubby" Svihovec, her nieces Amy Svihovec and Gwen Brunmaier, her great-great nephew Gabrielle Olson, in-laws Chris Schmaltz, Larry Blandy, and Bruce "Ronnie" Howe, and many close friends of whom she counted as extended family.

She is survived by her sister Wava Howe, sister-in-law Veronica Svihovec, and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Dakota Buttes Museum, the Hettinger Education Foundation or any local charity or organization of the donor's choice.