Elizabeth "Betty" Sass

A private family memorial service for Elizabeth A. "Betty" Sass will be held at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska, with Chaplain Kathy Doiel officiating. A private family inurnment will be held prior to the service at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege.

Elizabeth Ann "Betty" Sass, 86 years of age, of Holdrege, Nebraska, passed away, on January 20, 2025, at Holdrege Memorial Homes in Holdrege. Betty was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on March 17, 1938, the youngest of three children, born to Lloyd V. and Sylva K. (Hellie) Elmen. She received her education in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High School with the class of 1956.

On August 30, 1959, Betty was united in marriage to Wayne Carl Sass in Sioux Falls, and to this union, three children were born: Roger, Laurie, and Amy. From 1970 to 1987, Betty and Wayne made their home in Fairbury, where they raised their children and made many friends.

Betty and Wayne were avid sailors, beginning when Wayne built a wooden catamaran sailboat, and that passion flourished for over 40 years. They made many lifelong friends with the countless weekends they spent on their boats. After retirement, the couple moved to Holdrege in 2008, to be near family. Betty was an avid card player and especially enjoyed playing Bridge. She thrived on teaching her children and grandchildren card games and she was not about to let you win. Betty was a lovely, sweet woman who never complained or had a bad word to say about anyone.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne in 2023; two brothers: Bob Elmen and his wife, Rita; and Jim Elmen; and two brothers-in-law: Don and Dale Sass.

Betty is survived by her three children: Roger Sass and his wife, Susan of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Laurie Hill and her husband, Tim of Holdrege; and Amy Dennis and her husband, Pat of Edmond, Oklahoma; seven grandchildren: Paul, Hillary, Sara, Dillon, Jack, Jeffrey, and Nathan; seven great-grandchildren: Lennon, Hayes, Collins, Sutton, Clara, Brooks, and Audrey; two sisters-in-law: Eloise Elmen of Sioux Falls; and Elaine Klabunde and her husband, Erwin of Elkhorn, Nebraska; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

There will not be a visitation, viewing, or memorial book signing. The family is honoring Betty's wish for cremation.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Betty's honor and kindly suggested to Holdrege Memorial Homes Foundation or the Nebraska Prairie Museum.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.