Bessie Greenough, better known as Betty, died March 18 at the Cottages of the Emmanuel Community. She was born May 6, 1919 and grew up in Madelia, Minnesota, the only surviving child of George and Kathryn Hill. Betty attended Hamlin University, graduating in 1941 with a degree in business. While there she met Frank Greenough. They were married just before he was drafted for World War II. After the war Frank began a career as a traveling salesman for pharmaceuticals and Betty managed the home-front and several moves for many years. She got involved in each new community through church organizations, and bridge, garden and investment clubs. In 1973 they took an early retirement and settled in Detroit Lakes where they purchased the Birch Bark Gift Store which they ran until 1984. They lived in the home they built on Lake 6 in the Vergas area for 35 years where they cared for the quality of the lake, watched loons and planted a forest. They shared their love of travel with the community through slide shows of their trips to the Galapagos and Costa Rica. Betty was an involved member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church family. In later years she decorated heritage hand-knit Christmas stockings sold by the church. Betty was an avid reader and gardener. One of her greatest joys was the deep friendships she made which lasted throughout her life. She had been living in the Cottages in the Emmanuel Community for 3-1/2 years since the death of Frank. Her family is grateful for the loving care she received there. She is survived by daughter Mary Darnall (Tom), son Bruce Greenough, grandchildren: Kyle Darnall (Kristin), Tara Roth (Randy), Shelby and Rylie Greenough and great-grandsons Caleb and Jonah Darnall. A celebration of Betty's life will be held on Monday, April 9 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church at 2 p.m. A visitation with family and friends will be held in the parish hall at 1 p.m. Memorials are preferred to St. Luke's Episcopal Church of Detroit Lakes or to the Minnesota Nature Conservancy.
Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501
Previous Events
Visitation
Monday, April 9, 2012
1:00 PM
St. Lukes Episcopal Church
1400 Corbett Rd
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
In the Parish Hall
Service
Monday, April 9, 2012
2:00 PM
St. Lukes Episcopal Church
1400 Corbett Rd
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501