Betty Heidinger, 90, of Mitchell, South Dakota passed away Sunday, May 17, 2020 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Friday, May 22, 2020 at Holy Family Catholic Church.  Burial will be at hillcrest Cemetery in Ethan at a later date.

Betty was born June 24, 1929 in Ethan, S.D. to Joseph and Jessie (McBrayer) Degen. She attended Ethan public school through the 8 ^th grade, moved to Mitchell in 1942, attended Notre Dame and graduated in 1947.  She attended DWU, taking a 2-year course in early childhood education.

On October 19, 1947 she married Don Heidinger at Holy Family Church and they made their home in Mitchell. In 1955 they moved to Rapid City where Don attended floor covering school, they then moved back to Mitchell in 1960 and raised their family of 10 children; making Mitchell their permanent home.

Betty taught head start for 6 years, CCD program at Holy Family for 22 years, worked for Homan's Brigg Steakhouse, Elks Lodge, Lawler Motor Inn and the Depot, retiring at age 80.

Betty was an active community leader, volunteering at Eugene Field, Christian School, Holy Family CCD program and Avera Queen of Peace gift shop.

In 1998 she was nominated for the Community Service Award at the annual YMCA leader luncheon.

She is survived by her sons; Dan Jo, Aberdeen, SD; Don Jr., Des Moines, IA; Perry (Sue), Sioux Falls, SD; Doug (Traci), Mitchell and Miller, SD; daughters; Jean (Doug) Keith, Edgerton, MN; Cherron (John) Foster, Mitchell, SD; Becky Langford, Sioux Falls, SD; Gaye Heidinger, Mitchell, SD; Pam Huitema, Mitchell, SD. Twenty-one grandchildren; twenty-eight great grandchildren; a sister; Joann (Tom) Briggs, Alcester, SD; Three special family members; Deanne Larson; Jane Pekas, Sioux Falls, SD; Kim Weeden Heidinger, Sioux Falls, SD; many nieces and nephews; a host of friends and "little friends" who called her "gramma Betty".

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; a son, David; two infant sons; an infant brother; a brother, Leo "Bud" Degen; a special great grandniece, McKenzie Degen; a son in law, Mike Langford and a grandson, Jonathan Huitema.