Betty Herrick peacefully passed away at home in North Platte surrounded by her family on November 23, 2023, at the age of 91.
Betty was born April 10, 1932, in the mining town of Bingham Canyon, UT. Her parents, R.J. and Donna Contratto, did their best to raise Betty and her siblings, Don and Dottie. Growing up, the family lived in the Knight Hotel and this gave Betty the chance to meet people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds; Big Helen was one of her favorites. Betty had a happy childhood full of adventures and mischief; "Every day was interesting and exciting" to Betty.
After grade school, Betty attended the consolidated junior high in the nearby town of Copperton. Public schooling was fine for Betty and she behaved fairly well but when it was time for high school, Betty was sent to a Catholic girl's school over the border in Idaho, leaving her friends, family and home behind. By the time she was 16, Betty met Clair Curtis (an older man of 19) and threw common sense to the wind as they ran off and eloped. Betty was determined to make the marriage work, but with three young children and years of struggles, it came to an end.
Betty eventually moved to Salt Lake City, UT, with the kids. She took a job at a Woolworth store, working in the coffee shop. She became manager of the fountain and lunch counter and liked her job (especially since she was "boss"). While working Betty was introduced to the new head store manager, Norman Herrick. Norm was just what Betty needed. He was divorced and had sons of his own so he knew the importance of family. In 1963, Norm and Betty married in an Idaho town. They had good times and lots of laughter for over 65 years.
Because of Norm's job with Woolworth's, the family moved to Montana then California until Norm wanted to be closer to his boys and family in Nebraska. He and Betty moved to North Platte where they settled and worked in various businesses. They bought Elletts Tastee Treat, remodeled it into "Betty's Tastee Treat" and operated it for many years. Betty later worked in the hospital kitchen. She never minded hard work and loved visiting with others.
Betty did not grow up with any meaningful experiences of worship but that too changed when she met Norm. He took Betty to church and there she discovered the real meaning of religion, answered the altar call, and was saved. She embraced salvation and the Christian way of life. Betty's faith gave her the strength to persevere, forgive, and to love. She was so proud to receive her G.E.D. at age 68.
Betty was a member of Grace Community Bible Church. She could always be recognized by her bright, colorful clothes and her joyous laugh. She will be remembered for her love of those around her and her positive, faithful spirit.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Donna Contratto, and father and stepmother, R.J. and Clara Contratto; her brother, Don Contratto; sister, Dottie Warner; her daughter, Sharlene McLaughlin; stepchildren, J. Herrick, Steve Herrick and Zelda Herrick; and grandchildren, Brittany Sims and Katie Herrick.
Survivors include her beloved husband, Norman; her children, Daniel Curtis (Julie) of Columbus and Suzanne Anderson (Steven) of Salt Lake City; step daughter-in-law, Connie Herrick of Ft. Lupton, CO; 12 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, other family, and her special friends.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Grace Community Bible Church. Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation is Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and with family greeting from 4-6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.