Betty Wible

Velva

Betty “Jean” Wible, 80, Velva, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in her daughter’s home in Minot surrounded by family.

Jean was born on September 28, 1943, in Pleasantville, IA, to Robert and Betty (King) Ruttan. When she was young, the family moved to Santa Rosa, CA, where Jean was raised and educated. She graduated from Montgomery High School in 1961.

In 1962, Jean met the love of her life, Donald Wible, and three weeks later the couple was married on June 2, 1962, in Reno, NV. The newlyweds first stayed at Hamilton Air Force Base where Donald was stationed. The couple then moved to first Bitburg, Germany, and Luke AFB in Arizona before Donald was sent over to Vietnam. Jean waited for him with their growing family in San Bernadino, CA, until they could be reunited again at Bent Waters AFB in Ipswich, England. The family relocated to Spangdahlem AFB, in Germany before making their final stop at the Minot AFB, before Donald retired from the United States Air Force. The family decided to stay in North Dakota and settled down in Velva, where they have resided ever since.

Jean enjoyed many hobbies. Fishing, crocheting, sewing, baking and cooking, antiquing, snowmobiling, wine, shopping, and singing. She also loved to travel. Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, and the Medora Musical were among her favorites, but she was always willing to go anywhere that didn’t require flying. Jean loved listening to country music and watching any John Wayne movie.

The biggest passion in Jean’s life was her family. She loved housing family gatherings, especially during a holiday, so that she could cook for her loved ones. Jean loved her pet birds, dogs, and cats but found the most enjoyment watching her grandchildren grow. Her family will long remember her great sense of humor and Jean will be missed by all who knew her.

Jean is survived by her husband of 62 years, Donald Wible; sons, Donald II and Thomas (Angela) Wible, both of Velva; daughters, Deborah (Mark) Laursen of Valparaiso, IN and Kathy (Roger) Gonzalez, Minot; 18 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Bobby (Jane) Ruttan, Westhope, ND; and other extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Michaela Wible; and brother-in-law, Ronnie Wible.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Oak Valley Lutheran Church in Velva. The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Oak Valley Lutheran Church YouTube page at Oak Valley Lutheran Church Velva, ND-YouTube. Burial to follow at Velva Community Cemetery, Velva. Visitation will be on Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 3-5 p.m. at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home in Velva. Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at www.thompsonlarson.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, August 23, 2024.