July 13, 1943 — August 22, 2025
Betty Jean Bader, 82, of Portland, OR passed away at the Jane Campbell Group Home on August 22, 2025.
Betty was born on July 13, 1943 to Albert and Marie (Pahl) Bader, the last of nine children. She grew up on the Bader ranch, north of Timber Lake and attended the Bader Country School and then the Timber Lake public schools when her family moved into town.
In 1960, Betty moved to Portland. Although she only returned to South Dakota four times after she left, she often spoke fondly of the “good old days” growing up in Timber Lake.
Betty spent most of her adult life as a home health aide. She enjoyed helping people and made many friends through her work.
When it became apparent that dementia was setting in, Betty reluctantly moved to the Arbor Senior Center where she enjoyed the friendships of the residents there.
In 2024 she moved to the Jane Campbell group home after breaking her hip, which left her confined to a wheelchair. There she lived her last year. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, and two sisters.
She is survived by her brother Edward Bader of Burleson, TX; several nieces and nephews; and a special cousin Dorothy (Allen) Solheim who helped her navigate through all her illness.
Graveside services will be held July 2026 at the Timber Lake Cemetery.