Obituary
Betty Jean Holste, 88, of Oviedo, Florida, went to be with her beloved Savior Jesus on Sunday, February 7, 2021, at Oviedo Medical Center.
She was born on October 13, 1932, in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, one of twin daughters of Albert and Henrietta (Valentine) Prange. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Illinois. Betty graduated from Valmeyer High School and studied childhood education at St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas.
On August 26, 1956, she was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) W. Holste, who survives at the home. This love-filled marriage lasted almost 65 years and was blessed with four children: daughter Kathy (Steve) Johnson, son Scott (Carla) Holste, son Richard Holste, and son Timothy (Cynthia) Holste. She also had four grandchildren: Laura (Chris) Stein, Vanessa Holste, Max Holste, and Nathan Holste. They and her two great-grandchildren, Jack and Reagan, miss their beloved Nana very much.
Betty had a strong, lifelong Christian faith that called her to witness to countless people in her life. Joyously singing in church choir and as part of the congregation was an expression of that abiding faith. As a Lutheran kindergarten teacher for many years, she shaped generations of children in her classroom for the better, and as a missionary in Thailand later in life with Bob, they were faithful witnesses for Christ overseas.
Betty also was an avid fan of St. Louis baseball – first the Browns, and then the Cardinals – and it was at a Cardinals game in 1954 where she and her future husband first met. Those who were blessed to know Betty remember her devotion to her Lord, her love of her husband and family, and her infectious laugh.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Glenn, sister Karen, and twin sister Imogene, who died as an infant.
A memorial service was held on February 12, 2021 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oviedo; a second memorial service is planned for later this year in Evansville, Indiana, where Betty and Bob taught for several years.
Contributions in Betty’s memory can be made to the Lutheran Haven Benevolent Care Fund; Evansville Lutheran School; or Mission Central – LCMS World Mission.
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