Elizabeth “Betty” Widman ’59, home economics education, died June 2, 2022, at home under hospice care.
Widman, 85, of Mitchell, was part of the 1993 class of distinguished alums. She won numerous awards in her 21-year career as a home economics teacher. Among them were the South Dakota Outstanding 4-H Alumni, 1979; Outstanding Teacher, Mitchell Schools, 1981; SDSU Alumni Leadership/Service Award, 1984; South Dakota Vocational Home Economics Teacher of the Year, 1990; and Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 1992.
She also served as delegate to several national meetings.
In her letter in support of Widman’s nomination for distinguished alumnus, Nancy Theeler of Mitchell wrote, “In a time when youth are searching for purpose and self-esteem, Betty Widman is more successful at providing that to students she teaches than anyone I know.”
Her service to SDSU includes serving on the SDSU Advisory Council, 1973-76; the SDSU Alumni Council, 1974-84; the representative from the College of Home Economics to the SDSU Advisory Council Executive Board, 1976-82; and the College of Home Economics Advisory Board, 1982-85.
Also, she was SDSU Alumni Association president in 1983-84.
Born April 12, 1937, to Emmett and DeLonde Healy in the farmhouse her grandfather built near Pukwana, Widman graduated from Pukwana High School in 1955.
4-H was a big part of her life, as a member, leader and clothing judge at county and state fairs. She served on the 4-H Leaders’ Executive Board, 1978-79; and South Dakota 4-H Foundation Board, 1979-81.
Widman also was active in local politics and served as Democratic National Committee Woman and Precinct Committee Woman.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Paul ’68 (M.A.); five children, Cindy Marshall, Susan ’84 (David) Erstad, Shelly (Vance) Moorman, Richard ’88 (Jennifer ’90/M.A.’95) and Mark ’92 (LeAnn); eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, two brothers, James ’67 and John; and a sister, Mary Williams ’70.
