Betty S. Backer

Betty Susan Backer, 94, of Grand Island, passed away on June 12, 2024 at Tiffany Square Care Center. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 20th at 11:30 am at All Faiths Funeral Home, with Dan Naranjo officiating. Family will greet friends for visitation starting at 10:00 am until service time. Betty was born on August 17, 1929 in Stockham, NE to John and Kathryn (Penner) Janzen. Betty attended elementary school in rural Hamilton County and Aurora, and graduated from Aurora High School in 1946. She then went on to graduate with distinction from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1970. She earned her Master’s in Education also from the University of Nebraska. On March 31, 1956, Betty was united in marriage to Gordon Backer in Aurora. One son was born into this union. Betty spent five years teaching in rural schools of Hamilton County, and 34 years of teaching in elementary schools in North Platte, Lincoln and Grand Island with the last 23 of those years at Newell School in Grand Island until her retirement in 1993. Betty was a member of First Baptist Church of Grand Island since 1960. She served as a Sunday School teacher, Circle President, Christian Education Board, Church Council, American Baptist Women’s Executive Board, and Stewardship Board. She had a life membership in the Newell PTA, a former member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Teacher’s Sorority, as well as holding memberships in the GI Education Association, NE State Education Association, Grand Island Saddle Club, and the Grand Island Area Retired School Personnel Secretary and Program Chairman. Betty enjoyed traveling. She visited 49 states, as well as Canada, Mexico, and Europe. She also enjoyed bowling, card playing, dancing, reading, attending her grandchildren’s activities and Husker sports. She went to four Bowl games. She loved going to the cabin with her family, and doing volunteer work for St Francis, the Bloodmobile, and the Children’s Groundwater Festival. Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Thomas (Jody) Backer of Grand Island; grandchildren, Kayla (Dustin) Hasselmann, Dr. Nate Backer; great grandchildren, Lillian, Ashton, Bentyn, Hudstyn; and special friends that are like family, Joel and Dee Ferris, Andrew (Sheena) Ferris and their children, Caden, Clayton, Cash, and Stella, and Scott (Shaylon) Ferris and their children, Sterling, Tennyson, and Landric. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Alma Witkowski. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Betty S. Backer

August 17, 1929 - June 12, 2024

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Betty S. Backer

August 17, 1929 - June 12, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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