Elizabeth “Betty” Riedlinger (Mickelson), 79, Bismarck, passed away peacefully Dec. 3, 2021 at home.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. Family will be greeting visitors from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.
Betty was born Aug. 14, 1942 in Mandan to Frank and Rose (Mattson) Mickelson. She grew up South of Mandan. She went to a country school, graduated from Mandan High School in 1960 and continued her education at Bismarck State College.
In July of 1962 she married the love of her life, Galen Riedlinger of Hazelton. They were married 52 wonderful years before Galen passed away in December 2014. They were blessed with four children (Brenda, Troy, Tracy, Brant), two sons-in-law (Larry, Dale) and two grandsons (Daltyn, Bradyn) who she adored and treasured every moment with.
Betty started her work career with I.J. Wilhite, and later became an at home bookkeeper while raising her children. Along with being a stay-at-home mom, she was also an active Sunday school teacher, room mother, scout leader and cookie baker extraordinaire. When her children were older she returned to work full time for Cloverdale Foods and finished her career working for Heringer Dentistry where she retired on 08/08/08.
Betty’s immediate family was small, but her extended and adopted family & friends were vast and she treasured every moment she got to spend with them. She was grateful for the special friendships she made over 40 years in her neighborhood and with her mother’s support group after the passing of her son Troy in 2009.
Sewing, knitting and crafting were Betty’s passion. She made many beautiful quilts and keepsake treasures for her family and friends that will be cherished forever.
In 2013 Betty was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer that metastasized to her liver and her lungs. Betty was a true warrior, who beat all odds, battling her cancer for eight years. She will be remembered for her amazing positivity, kindness, friendliness and quirky sense of humor along with being a true inspiration to so many during her journey.
Betty’s goal as her disease progressed was to be able to stay in her home (aka her ‘Happy Place’) and with the help of her family and the amazing and compassionate caregivers with ‘Home Instead’, her last wish was fulfilled.
In memory of Betty and to help other seniors be able to stay in their ‘Happy Place’, memorials will be donated to the Home Instead organization.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Elizabeth Riedlinger, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
