Betty Mae Priel, 91, of North Platte passed away November 26, 2023 in North Platte, Nebraska. Betty was born on April 24, 1932 In Sutherland, NE to Almer Robert and Acenath Carrie Schreckengast-Hughes where she grew up. She graduated from Sutherland High School where she met her future husband, Bud. Betty married Leonard M. “Bud” Priel on June 18, 1950 at Betty’s parents’ home south of Sutherland. Because Bud worked for the Union Pacific Railroad, Bud, Betty and family moved up and down the railroad lines, settling in Gothenburg where they lived for 13 years. In 1970, they moved to North Platte, NE.
Betty enjoyed her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She had a number of small businesses. She spent time behind her sewing machine sewing up drapes, clothes, and other items, sometimes using patterns but most of the time developing her own patterns. Betty also enjoyed baking and was known for her cakes and breads. Betty and Bud spent time together collecting and re-finishing antiques that they picked up at auctions or garage sales. Betty joined a group of local ladies that were involved in the queen contest for Nebraskaland Days and was instrumental in fundraising for the queen’s scholarships. Bud and Betty hosted many of the queen contestants that competed and hosted Miss Rodeo America for 15 years. Betty was a member of P.E.O. that provided grants and support for aspiring young women. Betty was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include children Dan (Connie) Priel of Cambridge, Tammy (Rick) Rasby of Lincoln and Kent (Cara) Priel of North Platte; grandchildren, Holli (Mike) Oberg of Farnam, Zach (Mona) Priel of Cozad, Nick (Sarah) Rasby of Lincoln, Andra Rasby of Los Angeles, CA. and Brittany Mullins of Hoxie, KS. Seven great-grandchildren, Skyler, Ethan, Austin, Zoey, Cohen, Bennet, and River. Brother Bill (Evelyn) Hughes, brothers-in-law Lloyd Boyer and Don Fleecs, sister-in-law Betty Hughes, and other family members.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband (Bud), parents Almer and Acenath, sisters Pauline Hughes; Joyce Boyer, and Ramona Watrous (husband Pete) and brother David Hughes.
Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, November 30, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Emily McCreery and Pastor Willy Roberts officiating. Burial will be at 2:00 P.M., at the Riverview Cemetery, Sutherland, Nebraska. Visitation will be from noon – 7, Wednesday, with family receiving friends from 5-7 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, who is assisting the family.