Betty Keogh
Betty (Coughlin) Keogh, 88, a longtime Williston resident, passed away Sunday afternoon, Nov. 27, 2011, at the Mercy Medical Center in Williston, N.D.
Her Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Dec. 2, 2011, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church by Father Dennis Schafer. Interment took place at Riverview Cemetery.
An Evening Vigil was held Thursday afternoon at Everson Memorial Chapel.
Betty was born in Minot, N.D., on July 30, 1923, to Jack and Cecelia (Malloy) Benton. She was educated at St Leo’s School in Minot, and was married at the St Leo’s Catholic Church to Richard Coughlin Jr. on Aug. 24, 1942. For the first couple of years, Betty lived with her sister, Jerry, and her daughter in Minot, as both of their husbands were serving in World War II. Betty’s firstborn arrived while his dad was involved in the war. Upon his return, Dick and Betty’s first home was established in Scobey, Mont., where he was the bulk distributor for Westland Oil. Dick and Betty had five more children while living in Scobey. They then moved to Williston in 1955 and were blessed with three more children. Betty loved being a housewife and mother to her family of eight sons and one daughter. Betty was widowed on Feb. 9, 1969.
Betty married Brooks Keogh Feb. 5, 1972, at Bismarck, N.D. They lived at the Keogh Ranch, rural Keene, N.D. Brooks brought three children to that union, Frank, Mary, and Kathleen. Brooks passed away July 30, 1984. Betty then moved back to Williston where she has resided until her death.
As a Catholic, partaking in the sacraments and attending daily Mass were vital parts of her life. Betty was an active member of the Cursillo movement, went on pilgrimage to Medjugorje, and was very involved in parish life.
In her senior years, Betty was a member of “The Way We Are Girls” along with Pat Conlin, Dori Liffrig, Jean Krenz and Lila Fee, who, together, went on their famous outings. Betty was blessed with many close friends that would call and check on each other throughout the years.
Betty is survived by her children, Richard (Virginia) Coughlin, Michael (Kathy) Coughlin, Patrick (Ruth) Coughlin, Timothy (Corinne) Coughlin, daughter Kathleen Borcher, Gail (Tom) Coughlin, Robert Coughlin, William (Stacy) Coughlin and Barry (Michele) Coughlin; stepchildren, Frank Keogh, Mary (Barry) Groves, and Kathleen Spicer.
Betty’s family has been blessed with 34 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Preceding her in death: her husband of 27 years, Richard Coughlin; and husband of 13 years, Brooks Keogh; son, Thomas (Gail) Coughlin; grandson, Mark Coughlin; son-in-law, Lynn (Kathy) Borcher; daughter-in-law, Sheila (Mike) Coughlin; daughter-in-law, Kathleen (Frank) Keogh; and son-in-law, Ron (Kathleen) Spicer.
Betty’s favorite hobbies were her needlework and quilting. Her many works are proudly displayed in the homes of her family and friends. Because of Betty’s skills as a homemaker and mother; we were blessed by lavish holidays, delicious meals, baked goods, and her pervasive unconditional love. She always had a warm and inviting smile for family and friends, and a keen sense of humor which was passed on to her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed tending her flower gardens, and it was evident as they welcomed you to her home.
We will love and miss you always, Mom, and hold you in our hearts forever.
Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph’s Catholic School or the charity of one’s choice.
Friends may visit www.eversonfh.com to share remembrances of Betty.