Betty Keegan, age 88 of Rolla, ND passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022 at Quentin Burdick Hospital, Belcourt, ND.

Betty Jean Keegan was born on January 13, 1933 at Belcourt Hospital in Belcourt, ND to Charles and Mary (Jeanotte) McCloud.  She was raised on the family farm near Belcourt and attended Saint Ann's Mission School in Belcourt through the eighth grade.  She attended high school at St. Paul's High School in Marty, South Dakota and graduated from there in 1951.

Upon graduation she went to work for the Rolette County Social Services as a typist and stenographer.  She worked there until her retirement, finishing her nearly 50 years of public service as the Director of Social Services.

Betty was united in marriage to William Patrick (Bill) Keegan on October 12, 1953 in Rolla, ND.  Together they raised five children, Bill, Jan, Mary Jo, Kathy and Laurie.  Betty, Bill and family enjoyed many memorable times at the family cabin they built on Belcourt Lake.  Although Betty never learned to swim, she saw to it that all her children did and they created a family of avid lake and water sport enthusiasts that has been passed down to grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Betty was very active in the community serving on St. Joachim's Church parish council for several years, she was the North Dakota AARP president for two terms, and was a member of the City of Rolla sales tax committee.  Betty was the 2008 recipient of the Caritias Award by Catholic Charities and the 2000 recipient of the Ruth Meiers Service Award.  She also took communion to the homebound parishioners and delivered meals for Rolette County Senior Services for several years until she was no longer able to do so.

Betty fought the ravages of emphysema for 33 years, finally succumbing to it.  Strong and stubborn to the end, she walked out of the house where she had lived for 63 years and into the Emergency Room in Belcourt where she went to sleep for the final time with her family by her side.

Betty is survived by her children, Bill (Sandra) Keegan of Excelsior, MN, Jan (Dan) Scherer of Windsor, Co, Mary Jo (Jim) Crosby of Spring Park, MN, Kathy Keegan of Rolla and Laurie (Peter) Bercier of Rolla; seventeen grandchildren, Bill Keegan, Marnie Chinn, Katie Flaherty, Bridget Flaherty, Colleen Manchester, Amanda O'Fallon, Ouinn Wicken, Nicole Mapp, Michelle Peterson, Dan Crosby, Haley  Rosaasen, Nick Desjarlais, Ashley McClenahan, Alissa Decoteau, Pete Bercier, Seth Bercier and Abby Bercier; 24 great grandchildren; sister, Norma Cedarstrom of San Clemente California; brother, Jerry McCloud of Lewiston, ID; and many nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mary McCloud, brother Charlie McCloud, sister, Pat Gailfus and husband Bill Keegan.

A Rosary Service will be held at 4:00 PM on Friday, May 27, 2022 at St. Joachim Catholic Church, Rolla, ND.  An Irish Wake will be held at the American Legion in Rolla at 5:00 PM on Friday, May 27, 2022.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 28, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Joachim Catholic Church, Rolla, ND with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM prior to services in the church.  Father Thai Arul presiding.

Arrangements by Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND