Betty Brotherton Denke

March 10, 1942 - August 29, 2015
Betty Brotherton Denke, age 73, Philip, S.D., died Saturday, August 29, 2015, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.
Betty Lou Orris was born at Dr. Clara Owens’ house in Miller on March 10, 1942, the daughter of William Clarence and Dorothy (Moldrzik) Orris. She grew up on a farm in Carlton Township located in Hand County. She attended Casterline country school through the eighth grade. 
In 1958, she married Floyd Brotherton and to this union were born two sons, Jon and Wyatt. They made their home on a farm southeast of St. Lawrence. She later moved to various areas in western South Dakota and Wyoming where she worked at various jobs ranging from waitressing to skidding timber.
In 1964, she married Jack Trautman. They lived in Huron for a brief time before moving to several farms and ranches and finally settling on a ranch south of Hot Springs. She later moved to Rapid City where she received her GED. In 1972, she settled in Philip to work as a meat wrapper in the Philip Processing Plant. She later worked at the nursing home, Little Scotchman and Vivene Mathews’ flower shop. In both her mother and father’s later lives, she took care of them until their deaths.
In 1978, she met Marvin Denke and they were together from that point forward, marrying in 2000. She and Marvin spent much time building their home and countless hours working on the yard and garden. They spent time fishing, visiting family and sharing the produce of their garden.
Betty enjoyed growing flowers and feeding and watching the birds. In her spare time she etched glass, knitted rugs, made jewelry and read books and magazines on the ancient civilizations.
Survivors include her husband, Marvin Denke, Philip; two sons, Jon Brotherton (Wendy), Pierre, and Wyatt Brotherton (Sheila), Huron; two stepchildren, Charity (Doug) Keierleber, Newcastle, Wyo., and Robin Denke, Rapid City; 11 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one sister, Sandy Trautman (Edmond), Madison; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 3, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
  Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
  Her online guestbook is available at www.rushfuneralhome. com

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
Telephone: (605) 859-2516
E Mail: ads@pioneer-review.com

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