Bette F. Krabbenhoft, Argusville, ND, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, the 23rd of November 2024 at home. Bette was born the 29th of July 1940, the only child of Frank J. and Anna (Weerts) Cramer of rural Amenia, ND. She graduated Salutatorian from Amenia H.S. In 1958, despite hating most math (or so she said), and attended Dakota Business College where she honed her beautiful handwriting. Somewhere around this time, she met Ernest F. Krabbenhoft III of Sabin, MN, while cruising Broadway in Fargo in her 1957 Thunderbird. Having horses and farming in interest, they were married in 1962 in Casselton. Being very close to her lovely mother, Bette was reticent to head to Texas to try ranching, so she and Ernie began farming on their own, first by Prosper, then Argusville, growing the farm together little by little. Bette spent as many hours working the fields as homemaking early on and throughout her life. She always knew all the workings of the farm and liked hanging out in the shop as much as the kitchen or garden.
Bette always loved to go out for lunch and dinner, with friends and family. But more than that, she loved her 'Quiet Time' with her enormous garden and flowers, time with her dogs, cats, horses and chickens and time to read and think. Being inside on a beautiful day was sheer torture for Bette. Only those that truly knew her, knew that the real way to her heart was to bring home a new pen and a magazine from town, because really, who can resist the feel of a good pen on paper or the temptation of a new recipe?
Bette was a witty, creative, vibrant person, sharp as a tack that could remember every day of her life, the weather, and what she was wearing. She was a marvelous cook, with a cookbook collection bar none, many other interests and abilities. She could hold a conversation on many subjects while giving you a good amount of heck at the same time, whether you noticed too late or not!
Bette was truly a firecracker who touched many lives. She often had a heart bigger than she was. She loved Lake Lida, Killdeer, but first and foremost being tucked in at her home.
Preceding her in death only this August was her husband, Ernest.
She is survived by her daughter, Jayne, (Nathan Ekstrom), her only grandson Hank and her dear cat, Baby Girl.
Again, special thanks to Theresa Wilson and Abdoulaye Sacko for their wonderful support through these many years and other special friends. We couldn't have done this without you.
An open house gathering will be held on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024 from 2 to 5 PM at the West Funeral Home in Casselton, ND.
West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center
westfuneralhome.com
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