Betty Lynette Highland

Betty Highland was born on January 17, 1948, in Vermillion, South Dakota, to Clifford and Lillian (Aaen) Olson. She entered eternal life on April 25, 2025, at the age of 77.

Betty was raised on the family farm near Mission Hill. She was baptized and confirmed at Vangen Lutheran Church in Mission Hill where she was a lifelong member. She graduated from Volin High School in 1966. She attended Nettleton College in Sioux Falls and began her career at American State Bank in Yankton. She continued her banking career at the bank in Volin and retired after more than 30 years of service.

On January 27, 1968, she married Roger Highland. They farmed near Volin where Betty continued to live after Roger’s passing in 1990. Together they had a daughter, Angie.

Betty was active in agriculture and the community having served in Volin Community Club, Sons of Norway, FSA Board, and on the Volin Township Board for well over 30 years.

Betty was known for her inner strength, sense of humor, and generous nature. She loved farm life and animals, especially horses. She made it possible for her daughter to learn to ride and participate in events and competitions. She enjoyed music and could play piano, organ, and saxophone. She created beautiful pieces of hardanger, knitting, and needlepoint and was an avid collector of antiques.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Angie Highland (Rod Woodward) of Weatherford, Texas, her sisters, Dorothy (LaRue) Hanson of Yankton, South Dakota and Angela (Paul) Van Slyke of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is also survived by Niece Renea (Jay) Hollenbeck of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Nephew Jeff (Sarah) Hanson of St. Paul, Minnesota, and many cousins, great nieces and great nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Roger Highland, her parents Clifford and Lillian Olson, and a niece Leanne (Hanson) Bidwell.

Memorials may be directed to Vangen Lutheran Church, Mission Hill, South Dakota.