Betty Jean Kupper, age 101 of Ogallala, Nebraska, died Monday, April 21st, 2025, at Wel-life Assisted Living in Ogallala, Nebraska.
Betty J Kupper was born April 28, 1923 to Claudius and Lula (Bennett) Pickrel in York County, Nebraska. Betty was the only girl with three older brothers and one younger brother.
She attended grade school at Liberty School in District #58. She would complete high school at York High in May of 1941. She also attended York College.
Betty worked for Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph as a toll instructor. Later, she worked for Consumers Public Power in York. Upon moving to Ogallala, she worked at the Arterburn Shoe Store and the Keith County Superintendent’s Office.
She met 1st Lieutenant Bernard C. Kupper at the York Country Club. They were married on September 4, 1943. He was transferred overseas shortly thereafter. When Lt. Kupper returned home, he was employed by the Consumers Public Power District. Betty then became a full-time homemaker. They had 3 boys (Bernard Jr., Robert, and James) while in York. Bernie and Betty were then transferred to Ogallala with Consumers Public Power which eventually became Nebraska Public Power District.
Betty was a 60+ year member of the United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Geneva 180 Order of the Eastern Star, a lifetime charter member of the World War II memorial, American Legion auxiliary, as well as many civic and social groups in Ogallala.
She enjoyed her family, friends and flower gardening. She even planted beautiful zinnias each year in the alley behind her home to beautify that area. She loved travelling with her good friend, Rita. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her delight.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. (MT) at First United Methodist Church in Ogallala with Rev. Curt Magelky officiating.
Interment will be Monday, April 28, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. (CT) in Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska, with Rev. Curt Magelky officiating.
Survivors include her sons Robert Kupper (Donna Pagliaro) and James (Deb) Kupper; Daughter in laws Robbie Kupper and Susan Kupper; Her grandchildren Bernard Kupper III (Jodi), Scott Kupper, Joseph Kupper (Elizabeth), James Kupper Jr. (Danielle), Gwendolyn Kupper and Robert Kupper Jr. (Zhen). Also surviving her were her great grandchildren Joseph Kupper Jr., Ava Kupper, Jeremiah Kupper and James Kupper III, as well as nephew Russell Pickrel, and nieces Jeanne Pickrel and Lynn Grub (David).
She was preceded in death by her husband Bernard, oldest son Bernard Jr., her parents, her brothers Claude Jr., Raymond, Russell and Robert and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials are suggested to any of these three causes, the World War II memorial, Wounded Warriors and Wel Life flower and plant project to help beautify Wel Life.
Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences can be left at www.drauckerfh.com.
Services will be live-streamed and can be viewed by going to www.drauckerfh.com.