Elizabeth M. "Betty" Kjar

Elizabeth M. “Betty” Kjar, 97, of Bellevue, Nebraska, former Lexington resident, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2016, at Hillcrest Magnolia Gardens in Bellevue. She was born July 22, 1918, in Bentley, Iowa, to William and Clara (Grabowski) Knutzen. Betty was a graduate of St. Francis High School in Ashton, Nebraska. She then went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Kearney State College. She moved to Lexington in 1947 to continue her teaching career. Betty was united in marriage to Henry Christian Kjar on June 1, 1950, in Ashton, Nebraska. Three children were blessed to this marriage; Thomas, Rita, and Daniel. She taught for over twenty years in rural school districts surrounding Lexington; including District 17, 18, and District #25 at Horseshoe Bend. She also taught for 5 years in Lexington Public Schools. Always active in her church, Betty was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, where she was a member of several parish organizations. She volunteered at Westside Care Home, taught G.E.D. classes, and volunteered for Meals-on-Wheels. She moved to the Ralston/Omaha/Bellevue area in 2005, to be near family. Betty is survived by her children; Thomas (Christi) Kjar of Ralston, Nebraska, Rita (Larry) Troudt of Papillion, Nebraska, and Daniel (Gerene) Kjar of Alta Loma, California; nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry; and, sister, Lucille Ignowski. It was Betty’s wishes that her body be cremated. There will be no visitation. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, July 23, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Neal Nollette celebrating. A Rosary will be recited that same day at 1:30 p.m. at the church. Inurnment will be in the St. Ann Catholic Cemetery at Lexington. Memorials are suggested to St. Ann Catholic Church. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.