Betty (Bjorkman) Karlen, age 89, of Minerva, passed away Sunday, March 22, 2015 in the Alliance Community Hospital. She was born Sept. 22, 1925 in Louisville to Henry and Cora (Brunner) Bjorkman. Betty worked on the farm where she resided for 75 years. She was also the owner of Granny's Back Porch of Houseplants.

Betty married Oscar on January 1, 1945 in Alliance. They were happily married for 46 years. He preceded her in death on January 7, 1991. Betty was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minerva and was crowned Mrs. Minerva in 1959. She enjoyed spending time with family, playing cards, reading, and tending to her flowers.

Betty is survived by her children, Corey (Randy) Evans of Alliance, Don (Sally) Karlen of Minerva, and Dwight (Sondra) Karlen of Minerva; 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and close friends, Ada Davis, Irene LeMoine, Ovelene Shine and Sharon Keister. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Bertha; and 3 brothers, Ernest, Paul and Clyde.

Funeral services will be Thursday at 11:00 am in the Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home in Minerva with Rev. Steven Woyen officiating. Burial will be in Fairmount Memorial Park. Calling hours will be Wednesday 6-8 pm in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or Alliance Visiting Nurse and Hospice Assoc. Those wishing to send condolences may sign the online register at www.gotschallfuneralhome.com.