Betty Ann Nielson

Betty Ann Nielson of Santa Fe, New Mexico, age 85, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at Brookdale Senior Living in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
She was born to Grant and Evelyn Alvina (Oines) VandenBerg on Feb. 9, 1939, in Custer, South Dakota, the second of four children. She attended public schools in Brookings, South Dakota, graduating from Brookings High School in 1957. She went on to graduate from South Dakota Beauty Academy in 1958 in Sioux Falls.
Betty married John M. Nielson in Brookings on Aug.14, 1958, and they had one daughter, Krista May.
In 1963, the family moved from Brookings to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where John began his career with Sandia National Laboratories. During their 62 years of marriage, John and Betty made their home in Brookings, Sioux Falls, and Lake Poinsett, South Dakota; Livermore, California; and Albuquerque and Santa Fe. They enjoyed each move, buying, fixing up, and selling each property, and Betty took particular pride in decorating, furnishing, and maintaining each home they lived in.
Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, known for her warm heart, generous spirit, and quick wit. She deeply cherished her family and friends, always ready to offer a listening ear, a kind word, and plenty of hugs. Betty had a natural gift for making everyone feel welcome and special. She maintained lifelong friendships, especially with the close-knit group of women from high school known as the “Dillies.” Her vibrant personality and sense of humor made her the life of the party, while her impeccable taste and talent for interior decorating were always evident. Bettys selflessness, kindness, and joyfulness touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and remembered for the love and joy she brought to those around her.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband John (2020); father Grant (1971), mother Evelyn (1973); brother Leo (1987); and sister Gloria (2012).
She is survived by her daughter, Krista Zappe and husband Steve; two grandsons, Estevan Stev Ortega and Nicolas Nico Ortega, both of Santa Fe; three great-grandsons, Nicolas, Cruz, and Camilo Ortega; her sister, Judy Messerschmidt and her husband Loyal of Sioux Falls; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She faithfully read her Bible and grew in her faith through expository Bible studies. We are confident that through her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord, Betty has received the goal of her faith, the salvation of her soul.
No memorial service is planned. In 2025, the family will place Betty and Johns ashes in the Nielson family plot during a private committal service at Eventide Cemetery in Woonsocket, South Dakota.