Betty Binger

Betty Arlene (Hunter) Binger was born on the family ranch on December 10, 1920, to Forest and Stella (Skoda) Hunter of Hay Springs. She was promoted to Heaven on February 16, 2026, at the age of 105, to spend eternity with her savior, Jesus Christ.

Betty grew up with her two remaining siblings on the ranch 9 miles northeast of Hay Springs. Her older brother, Delmer, passed away when he was five years old.

She had such fond memories of a wonderful childhood, playing with her sister and cousins by the creek, playing with her kitty, riding her pony to the country school through all kinds of weather, which was one of the experiences that contributed to her strong, resilient character.

Betty graduated from Hay Springs High School in 1937 at the age of 16. Post graduation, she worked on the family ranch. She was crowned Miss Sheridan County, riding her horse in the Rushville parade, then she and her cousin rode their horses 10 miles back to the ranch.

Betty and Bruce were married in Hay Springs on September 23, 1944, after Bruce returned from World War II. Gary Bruce was born August 1, 1945, in Clovis, New Mexico. Bruce was completing his service in the Air Force. They then moved to the ranch/farm southwest of Hay Springs, where they spent the next 65 years. Bruce and Betty welcomed their second son, Monte Ross, on March 19, 1947. They created a warm, loving, stable home, building a strong foundation for their sons, which has trickled down to their 5 grandsons, 1 great-granddaughter, and 9 great-grandsons.

Betty was a hard worker, keeping an immaculate home while raising two active sons, raising a large garden, canning, raising chickens, dressing and freezing them, lots and lots of cooking wonderful meals (some of her grandsons dubbing her the “casserole queen.”) We all enjoyed her chokecherry jam and pies. Oh! My!

Betty was an active supporter of her sons’ activities, which continued with the next two generations. She enjoyed Bridge Club, bowling league, knitting beautifully, lovely crafts, traveling throughout the U.S. and internationally. Bruce and Betty enjoyed R-Ving with friends and family. Being members of the Hay Springs United Methodist Church. Betty baked the communion bread and contributed to many joyous potlucks. She was also a member of the Legion Auxiliary for 73 years.

Her legacy will live on in the hearts and lives of her family and loved ones… the loving, beautiful, kind, and thoughtful example of an amazing person.

Betty is survived by her two sons, Gary and Monte (Janelle), Grandchildren; Brant, Travis (Jesse) of Hay Springs, Forrest (Asuka) of Japan, Brandon (Paula) of Washington state, and Aaron (Becky) of Washington State. 10 great grandsons and one great granddaughter.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Delmer(5 years of age) and Everett, sister Lois, husband Bruce, and daughter-in-law Leanne, plus many loved ones.

A celebration of life will be held at the Hay Springs Senior Center on February 28, 2026, from 2:00PM-4:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your favorite charity in honor of Betty.