Betty Richardson
1937-2023
“Don’t be making a fuss” is something we might hear Betty say right now. She’d be more concerned about the ongoings in the kitchen and whether there was enough food for everyone for lunch. She wouldn’t want any ‘pomp’ and certainly no ‘ceremony’ for today. She didn’t think of herself as more special in any possible way. She was honest and direct and caring of others. Down to earth through and through. A fitting description for someone born on a farm near Deer Creek, Saskatchewan.
The fourth child of Eckart and Elisabeth Kastendieck, Betty had three older brothers – Herman, Fred, and Gerhard- and two younger sisters, Irma and Irene. Betty was born on June 24th, 1937, and attended elementary schools in the Paradise Hill and Hillmond areas. Both Irma and Betty attended Lloydminster Comprehensive from Grade 10 to 12. It was there that she made friendships that would last a lifetime. After graduation, Betty left for Saskatoon where she took her teacher’s training.
Betty’s teaching career began at North Gully School and, shortly after, she took a position at J. H. Moore School in Lashburn. At that time, Betty was living in the teacherage at Burke School with her sister Irma who was teaching there. In 1958, a young farmer by the name of Bob Richardson decided to attend a Red Cross fund-raising dance at the school. Of course, a young Betty Kastendieck was also in attendance.
Although Betty had a position at J. H. Moore, she and her Grade 6 class commuted to Burke School until January while waiting for construction of J. H. Moore to be complete. The following year she returned to Lashburn to resume her teaching. Later in her career, Betty remained involved at the school subbing at various grade levels and volunteering with student reading programs. Many of you could give testament to the dedicated qualities she had as a teacher.
Bob and Betty were married in 1960 at the United Church in Lloydminster. After living at the Burke teacherage, they moved to the original Richardson family farm a few miles east of their current home. While there, Kelly and Micheline were born. At the time, with two toddlers at home, Betty was working, taking a university course, and helping Bob build a house on the farm where they would raise their family. A few years later, Nita and Jo-Anne were born and the family was complete.
Life on the farm meant everything to Betty. According to Bob, Betty went from driving a little Volkswagen Beetle to navigating a Kenworth or Mack without using the clutch to shift. Her favourite time of year was the annual harvest.
As much as Betty’s life revolved around Bob, the kids, the grandkids, and the farm, she routinely gave of herself to the communities of Lashburn and Marshall. As a Rebekah, she seldom, if ever, missed a Monday meeting and loved the friendships made there. St. James United Church also had a special place in Betty’s heart.
Betty passed away on January 25th, 2023. In saying good-bye to Betty, her grandchildren want you to know that she was literally the best human that ever graced this earth. She was fun and caring and life-saving and happy and loving and comforting. Her smile told you she was always genuinely happy to see you. Her hugs made you feel like you were the only person in the whole world that mattered.
The family is so very grateful for the support received throughout the journey from their friends, family, and communities; for the compassion and skill of the nurses in Lloydminster, RUH, and Maidstone; and for the McCaw family and staff.
