Elizabeth "Betty" Louise Bourk was born on September 14th, 1945, in Wall, South Dakota, to Donald Pascoe and Anna Donner. She was the fifth of six children. Betty grew up on a little farm North of Wall. In her high school years, she and her sister, Lila were sent to Lodi, California, to live with their aunts, Bonnie, and Orma. She Graduated from Lodi High in 1962.

On July 31st, 1964, she married Arlen Keyser, from Cottonwood, SD. To this union, were two children: Renee Ryckman, and Darrel Keyser (Quanna). After moving several times in South Dakota, Colorado, Nebraska, and California, they chose to settle in Blunt, SD, permanently. Both of them had jobs with the State. They divorced in 1987.

Shortly thereafter a relationship had formed between her and John "Hime" Bourk. They shared many years together before they united in marriage January 2007. Throughout those years together, they shared many great times and vacations with their close friends and families. She was always there for us when one of us were sick and broken. Deadwood was her fun place with her and "the girls".

Betty was survived by her husband, John; her two sisters, Donna Stotts, and Lila Hudson; two children and stepdaughter, Darrel (Quanna) Keyser, Renee Ryckman, and VeaBea (Troy) Thomas; ten grandchildren, Bailey Wright, Jansen Wright, Cody Ryckman, Taz Keyser, Jenna Keyser, Callie Kindred (Clint), Jacob Bonnichsen (Katie), Holly Ralston (Michael), Pablo Marinez, and Suzie Rodriguez; and eight Great Grandchildren, Paxton Weyer, Jayzon Wright, Elliot Weber, Emmet Wright, Tee Kindred, Tyler Kindred, Samual Ralston, and William Ralston.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to C.I.S.S. Women's Shelter, P.O. Box 842, Sturgis, SD  57785.

If you are unable to attend and would like to have a comment or a memory, email it to:
Ryckmanrenee@gmail.com
We would love to share it.

Click on the link to view service folder