Betty May (James) Gustafson, age 84, of St. John, ND, passed away November 8, 2020 at Presentation Medical Center, Rolla, ND surrounded by her loving husband, daughter and granddaughter.

Betty was born June 25, 1936 to Alex and Vera (Garrison) James in Picton township.  Betty grew up in the rural St. John, ND area, her family lived in the Coghlan Castle at one time.  Betty attended and graduated from St. John school.  Betty and Vernon (Gus) Gustafson were united in marriage October 22, 1954.  Their 66-year love affair is an inspiration to all couples.  Betty worked at the William Langer Jewel Bearing Plant.  She then became the bookkeeper/receptionist/office manager for Gustafson Oil Co which she and Gus ran out of their home.  Betty also was an active farm hand and manager for their horse ranch.  In 1966 Betty and Gus moved their family from St. John to a farmstead where they raised horses.

Betty was a 4-H leader.  She enjoyed her years of bowling on many different leagues.  She spent many years showing her paint horses.  She was active in the ND Paint Horse Association.   Betty was an avid horseback rider and was one of the founding members the local trail riding club.  Betty was an active member of the Presbyterian Church of St. John.  She served on the church council and was a member the ladies' aid being elected president many years.  She genuinely enjoyed her years as a member of the Mountain Side Homemakers, always looking forward to the monthly meeting with close friends. In most of her exploits, she was accompanied by her dearest friend Evie.  Their friendship spanned over 60 years.

Family was of utmost importance to Betty.  She loved all her large extended family.  Her grandchildren were the light of her life.  She will always be remembered for her faith, strength, kind heart, quick wit, and her delicious cooking.  Betty's apple pies were even known to cause the occasional argument between her sons-in-law.

Betty is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Vernon; sons, Marvin (Becky) of St. John and Darrel (Janine) of St. John; daughters, Peggy of El Paso TX, Jane (Ross) Sivertson of St. John, and Denise (Dale) Geritz of Casselton, ND; grandchildren, Bridget Gustafson, Lloyd Matthew (Nicole) Sivertson, Callie (Tyler) Bryant, Jacob Geritz, Alex Geritz and Clayton Gustafson; sisters, Joy Berginski and Jill Parisien; brother, John (Brenda) James; sisters-in-law, Carol James and Sheryl James; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Earl, brothers, Pat James and Roy James, sisters, Jean Vandal and Fay Indvik, and niece, Rhonda Parisien.

A private service will be held.  Internment will take place at the Swedish Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.