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Betty Lou Loucks (Spangrud), age 85, of Blackwater Lake near Longville, MN passed away August 21 at the St Cloud Hospital.

Betty was born June 11, 1934 to Anton and Ida Spangrud in Minneapolis, MN where she attended South High school. She was the youngest of nine children. Her two bothers and six sisters preceded her in death. Betty worked as a lab technician and continued volunteering with the Red Cross for many years.

Betty and Richard Loucks were united in marriage May 12, 1956 in Minneapolis. They lived in St. Paul; Hartford City, IN; New Ulm, MN; Woodbury, MN; and eventually retired to Blackwater Lake after Richard's 35 years with 3M. Betty was involved in many organizations and very involved in Our Saviors Lutheran Church in New Ulm as choir director, Sunday school teacher and putting on beautiful and memorable Christmas pageants. She taught a young girl with special needs and eye problems religious courses to be confirmed. She was a leader, and other churches asked for her help so they could teach their disadvantaged children. Betty was always available to help anyone to do cleaning, cooking, mowing lawns, painting, or just giving advice when asked, or just be there to listen. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, and doing crafts. She was President of the women's golf league in Longville. Her later life slowed her down due to medical problems, but like the energizer bunny, she kept going and going and never giving up. She left a wonderful legacy to all: Love-not hate, hope-not despair, a smile-not a frown, and laughter to bring joy.

Survivors include her son, David (Janet) of North Richland Hills, TX; daughter, Debbie of St. Paul; grandchildren: Teresa (James), Samantha (Michael), Zachary and James; great grandchildren: Ellie, Rowan, and Jace and Skylar; and many nieces and nephews and friends who she loved dearly.

Her husband, Richard Loucks, preceded her in death in 2005.

There will be a memorial service for Betty at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 7 at Salem Lutheran Church in Longville, MN with visitation starting at 10 am. Arrangements with Kline Funeral Home, Pine River.[[In-content Ad]]

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