Betty Jean Oehlert passed away August 13, 2019 at Poplar Living Center in Casper. She was born March 2, 1934 in Bridgeport, Ill., to Owen and Grace Newlin.
Betty grew up in Bridgeport and attended numerous schools before graduating from high school in McLeansboro, Ill., in 1952. While in high school, Betty sang on radio stations WCNT in Centralia, Ill., and WROY in Carmine, Ill.
On December 15, 1951, Betty married Merle Oehlert in Bluford, Ill., and two sons, Carl and Terry, were born to this union. The family moved to Lance Creek in October of 1968, and Merle and Betty settled in Lusk in 1978. Betty worked as a secretary for Charles Lund at Farm Bureau insurance and Keni Cundall at Frontier Realty, as well as several other insurance agencies.
In 1988, Betty was named Top Female Vocalist at the Wyoming Country Music Association finals in Lusk, Wyoming. She enjoyed camping and loved spending time outdoors.
Betty is survived by her husband, Merle; grandson Shawn (Rachel) Oehlert and great-granddaughter Willow, of Gillette; sister Pat Adams of Saint Francisville, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, sons Carl and Terry, brothers Bob, Everett, Ralph, Bill and Jerry, and sister Dot.
Funeral services were held Friday, August 16, 2019 at Pier Funeral Home. Interment followed at the Lusk Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Niobrara Senior Center or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Pier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
