In Loving Memory of Betty Lou Knackstedt-Harley

Betty Lou was born to Robert and Freda (Pierce) Gilbertson on June 14, 1939 in a small log house in the Littlestone District east of Naicam, Saskatchewan.

When Betty Lou was two the family moved to a farm by St. Front and when she was five they moved to the homestead by Lake Charron.

When Betty Lou was young she spoke Norwegian as that was the language her grandma and father spoke at home. Betty Lou started her schooling at Violetdale for Grades 1 to 3. She attended Littlestone School from Grade 4 to 8 and then Brightside School for Grade 9 and 10. Betty Lou completed her High School by correspondence through Regina. The roads were poor and the winters were cold. She travelled to school by horse, on foot or rode her bicycle. The schools were the center of the communities and music was a big past time for everyone. Betty Lou married Howard Knackstedt on March 20, 1959. Howard and Betty Lou lived on the old farm north west of Englefeld. In 1960 they moved to the homestead 8 miles north of Englefeld. To this union four children were born: Alice, Laurence, Howard and Debra.

Howard and Betty Lou continued to farm and raised their children on the farm. In 1980 the house on the farm burnt down and then we moved into Spalding. Howard passed away in 1981. In 1984 Betty Lou married Donald Harley.

Betty Lou loved to play cards, do crafts, quilt, curl, garden, spend time at the lake, and spend time with her family. She had two spoiled lap dogs, Sadie and Susie and a garage cat named Samie. She drove school bus for many years and was very active in her community and served on many boards. She volunteered at the Naicam Thrift Store, was a member of the Chelton Ladies Aide, Spalding Seniors, Spalding Red Hatters, Spalding United Church, Naicam United Church, Five Oaks Church, Saskatchewan United Church Association, Spalding Community Development Board, Spalding 4-H Club, and Watson Quilt Guild Quilting Club

Betty Lou passed away peacefully with her family at her side on February 16, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Betty Lou will be sadly missed by her children and grandchildren: Alice (Tom) Phillips their children Cherie (Dana) Payton and Hartley, Debra Lee (Donavan) Cody, Lynkin, and Wyatt, Dudley; Laurence (Charlotte) Knackstedt their children Brayden (Emily) and Tyneal (Cody); Howard (Lori) Knackstedt their children Trina (Brett) Casey and Dawson; Debra (Robin) Parry their children Scott (Heather), Jennifer (Graham) Gavyn and Remi, Stephanie (Brian). Sister in laws Amanda Gilbertson, Sophie Sajtos and Lillian Erker and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Betty Lou was predeceased by her husbands: Howard Knackstedt and Donald Harley; parents Robert and Freda Gilbertson; brother Ivan Gilbertson; grandson Justin Knackstedt.

Celebration of Life

Celebration of Life

1:00 p.m.

Monday, February 26, 2024

Crossroads Bible Church

Spalding, SK

Donations in memory of Betty Lou may be forwarded to:

Parkland Place Residents Fund

P.O. Box 2260

Melfort, SK

S0E 1A0