Betty Corinne Joseph, 85, was born in Valentine, September 2, 1938. She passed away peacefully on February 17, 2024.
She was the first-born child of John Joseph Mulligan and Bernys “Dick” Marie Lovejoy Mulligan. She was joined by brothers John Robert Mulligan and Douglas Wayne Mulligan.
Betty often rode her pony “Pinky,” along with her brothers to attend rural school in Cherry County, she attended high school at St. Mary's High School in O’Neill.
Betty met and married William Robert Joseph on August 18, 1955. To this union they were blessed with three children, Debra Ann Higgins, Roger William Joseph, and Cindy Marie Galloway.
Betty was the matriarch of the family that epitomized the northern plains entrepreneur, bonding the untiring work ethic and Christian values. She and Bill, along with Bill’s family, had successes with the grocery store, raising cattle, then the long journey of the hospitality industry.
Bill and Betty often built, completely from the ground up, businesses that would become easily recognized community staples. Although Bill often defined himself by work, Betty was shaped by the unending duties of faith and family.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bob; and her husband of 65 years, Bill in 2020.
Betty is survived by her children, Debbie Higgins, Roger Joseph (Jayne), Cindy Galloway (Keven); her grandchildren, Robert Joseph (Lacey), Rachelle Borchers (Jeff), Lacey Hoefs (Dustin), and Brandon Bennett; great grandchildren, Blake and Halle Borchers, Kylee Hoefs, and Cruz, and Lennon Joseph. Also left behind are sisters in law Corinne Tangeman (Larry) and Sherry Mulligan (Bob-deceased); as well as many nieces and nephews and her St. Nicholas Catholic family and friends.
A Catholic Rosary was recited on, Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Memorial Mass was held on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Valentine. Interment at Mount Hope Cemetery and lunch at the parish hall followed the services. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was in charge of the service arrangements.
