Betty Workin

Betty Workin, formerly of Walcott, ND, died in Fargo in Sanford Palliative Care Center on November 22, after a two and a half year fight with leukemia. Betty Leann Gaye Rostad Workin was the youngest of three children born to Clara (Lokken) and Otto Rostad on January 5, 1940.  She grew up on a farm near Colfax where she also graduated from Colfax High School.  She attended Interstate Business College and worked at Dacotah Paper Co and FSA in Richland and Clay County.  Betty was united in marriage with Raydon Leon Workin on June 10, 1960 in Walcott, ND and raised three sons. Betty was a devoted and loving mother.  She was very proud of her family and was excited to become a Grandma to her five grandchildren.  Family get-togethers, holidays and any chance to spend time with her family was tops in her world.  She could teach you a card game at a drop of a hat, and when you tired of that game, she had another one up her sleeve. Her quiet, loving demeanor was visible at all sports and music activities that her sons and grandchildren participated in.  Freezing cold temps never stopped her from a football game, nor raindrops from a baseball game.  At the end of a game, her love for her sons and/or grandchildren always stood out as she waited her turn to give them a hug and kind words of support. In Betty’s words, life was a joy.  From her husband to extended family and friends, Betty had a way of making all feel welcome.  She and Ray traveled the world seeing Norway, The Panama Canal, Alaska, Hawaii and many more places.  When home, she traveled the rummage sale streets and golf courses.  In her daily life, she volunteered at Sanford, attended church activities, quilted and crocheted, and always had a good book handy.  We will miss our mom dearly, but we also know she has left a love in us compared to no other, and we will pass that love on through generations to come. Thankful for sharing her life is her husband of fifty-six years, Raydon.  Survivors include their two sons Lowell  (Lora), rural Walcott, ND, and their sons, James and Matthew; Leon (Beth), Eden Prairie, MN, and their sons, Alex and Aaron and daughter Kathryn; brother John Milo (Vonnie) Rostad, West Fargo, ND, sisters and brothers-in-law Madelyn Ulland, Richard Workin (Bunny), Marlys Workin, Arlene Klug, Francis (Bernie) Kyllo, David (Judi) Workin, Carol Baker, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by son, Joel; his companion, Paul Jenkins; her parents; brother, Kenneth Rostad; sisters-in-law Maxine Rostad and Avis Workin; brothers-in-law Marlowe Workin, Arland Workin, Hartman Ulland, Robert Baker; parents-in-law, Ben and Alma (Olstad) Workin. A huge thank you to Dr. Gross, his nurse Jeanne and the whole staff at Roger Maris and Sanford for the care our mom received during the past two and a half years. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Joel R. Workin Memorial Scholarship at Elm.org/tributes/workin or ELM at PO Box 14317; Chicago, IL 606148503, Roger Maris or your favorite charity. Betty’s family gratefully acknowledges your attendance and many kind expressions of sympathy.  We are touched and strengthened by the outpouring of concern and kind words and deeds.  In place of individual thank-yous, please accept our deepest gratitude.  Betty’s memory will be carried on through your gifts.