Betty Jean Godwin passed peacefully to her everlasting home Jan. 9, 2025, in Central City, at age 76.
Betty was born Nov. 28, 1948, to Lumir and Albie Unger in Crete. She was the middle child between Shirley and Ron. She spent her childhood on farms around Crete and Wilber. Betty was always the first to help with chores and the animals. She attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Wilber High School in 1966.
Betty’s great calling in life was helping other people. After graduation, she moved to Lincoln and worked at Lincoln General Hospital as a nurse’s aid where she found her true purpose. Betty knew that she wanted to help people, but she also wanted to venture out of Nebraska. In 1972, Betty joined the army and began nursing school. She was stationed throughout the country from Texas to Louisiana. Betty was trained as a nurse in many specialties, but her favorite were obstetrics and geriatrics. She always said her favorite patients were those just entering the world and those about to leave it and she enjoyed providing comfort to both.
Eventually, Betty was stationed at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, working in Labor and Delivery. Ironically, that is where she would give birth to her daughter, Christina. “Chrissy” as Betty called her (and Betty was the only person on earth allowed to call her that) would become Betty’s entire world. She would take early retirement from the army to spend time with her daughter. The family then returned to Nebraska, settling in Lincoln. Betty would spend the rest of her working years at Lincoln Public Schools, helping children and having a schedule that allowed her to devote herself to being a mother.
After retirement, Betty moved to Byron to be closer to her Chrissy and grandbaby, Zoey. She spent her final years surrounded by those she loved most. Betty’s infectious laughter will be remembered most by those who loved her, and everyone who knew her, loved her. Her spunky attitude and great kindness inspired her daughter and all those who knew her. Betty was happiest when she was able to help others and did so continuously and selflessly. Even during the darkest times in her life, Betty’s positive outlook always comforted and encouraged those around her. Her family takes comfort in knowing Betty is with her creator and can now be taken care of the way she always took care of everyone else.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents Lumir and Albie Unger, and her brother, Ron Unger. Betty is survived by her daughter, “Chrissy” Godwin; sister, Shirley Shepard; grandchildren, Zoey, Ashley and Sean (Tosha) Swanson; great-grandchildren, Aubree, Jayson and Quintyn; closest friends, Deb and Herman Kaemmerling; a niece and nephews and cousins.
The Celebration of Life for Betty will be Friday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete, with interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m.
Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.
