Betty Jean (Usher) Blecha, 94, of Humboldt, was born on February 25, 1929, in White Cloud, Kansas, to Emerson and Martha (Rhoads) Usher. Betty grew up on a farm in Nemaha County and graduated from Bratton Union Consolidated High School in 1946. After graduation, she attended Nebraska State Teachers College at Peru for the summer session and began teaching at Northwest Star Rural School that fall. On July 7, 1949, Betty was united in marriage to Ernest Blecha in Humboldt, Nebraska. To this union five children, Ronald, Pamela, Teresa, Anita, and Ernest were born. Following their marriage, Ernest and Betty raised their family on their farm south of Humboldt, until his passing. In recent years, Betty had been a resident of Colonial Acres, and peacefully passed away on March 25, 2023.
Betty was a faithful member of the Humboldt United Methodist Church and sang in the choir for many years. She was also a member of the Rebekah Lodge, from which was formed the Sing-a-Fours quartet and a friendship which lasted for over fifty years. Betty was a devoted farm wife, mother, and grandmother and her specialty was cooking and hosting family meals while whistling or singing the entire time she was preparing for the festivities. Betty was a clerk at both the J M McDonald’s and Leech’s Department Stores for many years, finishing her working career as an administrative assistant at SENCA. She will be remembered for her positive attitude, caring demeanor, singing ability, and her infectious laughter.
Betty went to her Lord on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at the Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt having reached the earthly age of ninety-four years and one month. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ernest, an infant son Ronald, great-granddaughter Emerson “Emma” Sherman and a brother Bill Usher.
Betty is survived by her children: Pam Blecha and Tammy Foley, Teresa Gartner and Galen Gartner, Anita Kimpston, Ernie and Jan Blecha; grandchildren Dawn Sherman and Steve Bedea, Matt and Jessica Kimpston, Josh and Mindy Kimpston, Sarah Borchers, John and Heather Blecha, Joanna and Cole Pritchard; 18 great-grandchildren; brother Bob (Lea) Usher; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023, at the United Methodist Church in Humboldt with Pastor Dorothy Smith officiating. A live-stream broadcast of Duane’s service will be available on the church’s Face Book page.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at the Wherry Mortuary, 207 N. Nemaha street in Humboldt, Nebraska. Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary and a Rebekah’s service will be held at 7 p.m.
Interment will be at The Bohemian National Cemetery south of Humboldt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Humboldt United Methodist Church or to donor’s choice.
Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com
