Betty Jean Belgarde, age 60, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.  She was born on November 21, 1965 in Belcourt, North Dakota to Betty (Delorme) and Louis "Tom" Belgarde.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Dunseith City Hall, Dunseith, North Dakota with a Rosary Service at 10:00 AM prior to funeral services.

Betty Jean grew up in Dunseith and attended Dunseith Public School.  She later married Boyd Wilkie Sr. and together they welcomed their son, Boyd (Gabby) Wilkie-Harlow.  After their marriage ended, she met Richard Beck, and they were blessed with a daughter, Tamara Lynn Beck.

Throughout her life, Betty Jean worked hard and gave wholeheartedly.  She spent years working at the Turtle Mountain Manufacturing Plant in Dunseith and later at the Sky Dancer Casino in Belcourt.  Once she established her home in Dunseith, she opened Love Bear Daycare, a role that brought her immense joy.  Her daycare children became like family, and she cherished the laughter, energy, and love they brought into her home.

Nothing compared to the joy she felt when she became a grandmother.  Her grandchildren were the love of her life. They lit up her world in a way nothing else could.  She poured her heart into them – teaching, guiding, and loving them with a devotion.  Being "Grandma Betty" was her greatest pride and her happiest role.

Betty Jean lived life through simple pleasures: long conversations, time spent with friends and family, and sharing meals with the people she loved. She had a remarkable ability to connect with others in a deep and meaningful way.  Her strength, independence, and wisdom shaped not only her children and grandchildren, but countless others who were fortunate enough to know her.

She was a natural teacher of life skills – patient, honest, and unafraid to help others see their own potential.  Her leadership, kindness, and unwavering support will be remembered by all who were touched by her presence.

Betty Jean's legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, family, and the many lives she influenced with her compassion and strength.  She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Betty Jean is survived by her children, Boyd (Draper) Harlow of Moorhead, MN and Tamara Lynn Beck of Dunseith; two grandchildren, Kian Tayte Beck and Bryleigh Ryan DeCoteau; siblings, Janice (Larry) Morin, her sister-in-law, Gail Belgarde, all of Fargo, Debbie (Elvis) Gladue of Dunseith, and two brothers, Sylvester (Ginger) Belgarde of Dunseith and Tom (Paula) Belgarde of Belcourt; and nieces and nephews.

Betty Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Louis (Tom) and Betty Belgarde, her step-father, Joseph Peltier, and her siblings, Kenneth Belgarde, Dennis (Magoo) Belgarde, Linda Bjugstad, and her Godchild, Jolinda Don Vivier.