Elizabeth "Betty" A. Simonson

Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Reynolds Simonson, 94, born October 29, 1931, at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota, was welcomed into the world by her parents, Ellen Gladys (Eng) Reynolds and Leslie Willard Reynolds. After Leslie’s passing in 1937, Betty’s mother later married Henry Haugan on August 4, 1945. With Henry, Betty regained the loving presence of a father, and the two remained close throughout his life. She grew up in a home grounded in faith, family, and resilience, graduating from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, in 1950.

As she entered adulthood, Betty carried those values of faith and service into every part of her life. On October 9, 1954, she married Francis “Fritz” Simonson in Mayville, North Dakota. Together they lived in several eastern North Dakota communities while Fritz worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, eventually settling in Fargo in 1966. Their life was marked by devotion—to each other, to their family, and to the people they loved.

Betty completed her nurse’s training at Lutheran Deaconess Hospital in Minneapolis and spent her career caring for patients in hospitals across eastern North Dakota. She retired from Elim Nursing Home in Fargo after many years of compassionate service. Nursing was more than her profession; it was an expression of her deep commitment to helping others and her belief in serving with dignity and kindness.

Her love language was Acts of Service, and she lived it wholeheartedly. Betty baked, sewed, played piano, and delighted in finding treasures at thrift stores. She enjoyed games and crossword puzzles and never missed sending a birthday or anniversary card. She approached life with curiosity, creativity, and a joyful appreciation for simple pleasures. Her unwavering faith was central to her life, and she loved singing in the choir at Bethel Church, where worship brought her great joy.

Betty died peacefully on Monday, August 3, under the loving care of Fargo Sanford Hospice House, surrounded by family in her final days.

She is survived by her four children: Debra Ann (Jerry) Nordby, Gary Wayne (Faith) Simonson, Becky Jo (Ron) Day, and Jon Alan (Brenda) Simonson.

She cherished each of her grandchildren: Adam (Ellie) Nordby, Grant (Lyndsey) Simonson, Gregory (Noelle) Simonson, Amanda Nordby, Seth (Ashley) Simonson, Chloe Simonson, Lucas Simonson, Rachel Day, and Kevalin McNeil; and her great‑grandchildren: Claire Simonson, Boden Simonson, Solveig Simonson and Augustin Jon (AJ) Caduff.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Fritz; parents, Ellen and Leslie; stepfather, Henry Haugan; brother, Thomas Lyle Reynolds; sister‑in‑law, Jean Reynolds; and her grandson, Grant David Simonson as well as many brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins and friends.

Betty’s legacy is one of faith, service, and steadfast love—a life lived with purpose, grace, and generosity.

A Memorial Service will be held August 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Bethel Church, Fargo, ND.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, Fergus Falls, MN — www.ffhillcrest.org/give • Pulse Evangelism North Dakota — www.pulse.org/north-dakota • Fargo Sanford Hospice — fargo.sanfordhealthfoundation.org/give