Betty Lou Ray

Betty Lou Ray, 86, formerly of Chadron, passed away December 30th in Cheyenne, where she had lived the past four years. Betty Dieriex was born on December 28, 1933, and lived her early years on a ranch outside of Rushville. She married James Ray on June 1, 1951, moving to Oakland, California where he was stationed as a Marine. After James was wounded in Korea, they moved back to Nebraska to farm near Rushville. Eventually they owned the Roundup Motel and Betty also worked various jobs in Chadron. After retirement, James and Betty spent many years traveling the south, enjoying the warmth of Arizona and finding new friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband James, son James Jr., mother Hallie Beguin Dieriex Jackson, father Joe Dieriex, sister Carmen Graunke, and brother Tom Dieriex. She is survived by her daughters Mary Loose (Mike) and Sharon Leithead (Roland), both of Cheyenne. In addition, she leaves behind four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Betty will be buried with James at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Alliance at a later date. All who knew Betty knew she loved her children, grandchildren, and her dogs. Online condolences may be left at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel at www.wrcfuneral.com .