Bette Ann Peterson

Bette Ann Peterson (Kruse), age 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 21, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, nurse, and servant of Christ, Bette lived a life marked by compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. Born on June 18, 1947, in Carroll, Iowa, Bette was raised with strong values that would guide her throughout her life. She was baptized on July 6, 1947, and confirmed in 1961 at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning, Iowa. She attended grade school in Arcadia, Iowa, and graduated from Manning High School in 1965. During her high school years, she was honored as Homecoming Queen in 1964 — a reflection of the warmth and kindness that endeared her to so many. In the fall of 1965, Bette began her nursing education at Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Omaha. She graduated in 1968 and was crowned Miss Clarkson at the winter formal, another testament to her grace and character. Bette married Donovan Dale Peterson on December 28, 1968 at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning, Iowa. They were married for 56 years. To this union came four children in Ogallala, Nebraska, where the family resided for over two decades. Bette’s nursing career was both extensive and impactful. She began working in the emergency room at Ogallala Community Hospital while also raising a young family. Her weekends were often spent providing critical care while balancing the responsibilities of a busy home life. She later worked at Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala, where she loved serving geriatric residents as a floor nurse. Her career continued at Elkhorn Manor in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she provided compassionate care and eventually became Assistant Director of Nursing. In addition to her professional work, Bette served as the school nurse at St. Paul’s Lutheran School and taught Sunday School at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, all roles that allowed her to nurture others both physically and spiritually. Bette’s faith was central to her life. A devoted member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, she participated actively in worship and service. At Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, she was a member of the prayer shawl group that crocheted blankets for those in need. Bette cherished her fellowship and work with these special women, which stands as an expression of her love for others. At home, Bette found joy in simple pleasures: gardening under the sun, crocheting intricate patterns with care, sewing with precision and love, baking treats for family gatherings, exercising regularly to stay active, and walking outdoors to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. More than anything else, she cherished time spent with her family, especially with her nine grandchildren who brought endless joy into her life. Bette is survived by her beloved husband, Donovan Peterson; children and spouses, Michael and Jennifer Peterson, John and Amy Peterson, Bob and Ann Norden, and Matthew and Mary McMullen. She will also be forever cherished by her grandchildren: Samuel, Maxwell, and Bennett Peterson; Alexander and Zachary Peterson; John David Norden; and Thomas, Paul, and Rachel McMullen. She was preceded in death by her father Roy Kruse, mother Pauline Elias Kruse, brother Douglas Kruse, and sister Bonnie Buffington. Throughout every chapter of her life—from student nurse to nursing administration, from Sunday School teacher to loving grandmother—Bette embodied strength wrapped in tenderness. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with grace and generosity. May Bette Ann Peterson’s memory be a blessing to all who knew her. A Visitation will be held on December 30, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Reichmuth Funeral Home, 21901 W Maple Rd, Elkhorn, NE. A Funeral Service will be held on December 31, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, 15005 Q St, Omaha, NE. A lunch will be provided following the service in the church basement. The gravesite service at the cemetery will follow lunch. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School in Ogallala, NE, or Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha, NE. The family extends special thanks to the caregivers of Bopes Family Solutions for providing Bette with extraordinary care. Their loving care gave Bette the comfort and compassion that she showed to so many others throughout her life of service. We are eternally grateful for their example of the selfless love of Christ.

Bette Ann Peterson

June 18, 1947 - December 21, 2025