Betty Elaine Tufte

Betty Elaine Tufte was born on August 31, 1921 to Harry and Margaret Hawkins Smith in Bancroft Township in Freeborn County. She was a lifelong resident of the Albert Lea area. Betty graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1939. She married Ben S. Tufte on October 5, 1940 in Hampton, IA. The couple made their home in Albert Lea until retirement. At that time, they enjoyed spending winters in Corpus Cristi, TX and summers in Longville, MN for 25 years. The couple moved back to Albert Lea in 2004. Betty was a member of the Church of Christ and the Eagles Auxiliary. She was active as secretary of the Eagles Club. Betty liked crocheting and particularly enjoyed embroidery. Survivors include her husband, Ben of Albert Lea; children, Judy Ken Bringgold of South St. Paul, Mary Larry Lahs of Albert Lea, Shari Dwain Staude of Alden; grandchildren, Wally Bringgold, Larry Lahs, Jr., Ron Bringgold, Laura Delano, Karen Hershey, Sara Anderson, Linda Meza, Jim Bringgold, John Bryand Jr., and Joshua Bryand; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; brothers, Bob Noni Smith of West Covina, CA, and Gary Rita Smith of Manly, IA; sisters, Barb Rodney Halverson of Kiester, and Mona Cy Pollema of Canyon City, CO; aunt, Ruth Clough of Peoria, AZ; sisters-in-law, Sadie Parks of Hillsdale, MI, Jeanette Zobel of St. Cloud, and Arlene Smith of Albert Lea; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Gerald in infancy and Donald and Jack.