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   Betty was born near Little Lake in the Smokey Hollow Township, Cass County, Minnesota.

  She was preceded in death by her parents, Manches and Gertrude Thurlby, husband, Harry Harrison, brother, Ralph Thurlby, sister, Viola Turner (Vic) and son, Chris Harrison.

She is survived by her sisters, Phillis (Louie) and Faye (Don), brother, Leroy (Carol), sister in law, La Donna and Betty’s children, Larry Harrison (Janet), Bonnie Jackson (Bill), Kenneth Harrison (Debbie), Mike Francisco (Pam), Kathy Francisco (Steve), Robin Harrison and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

   After graduating from Remer High School in 1951, Betty traveled by bus down to Fayetteville, Arkansas to help her grandmother Pearl Ester Newton (Thurlby) take care of her grandchildren. It was there where she met Harry Harrison who had just returned from the Army and the Korean War. A few months after their wedding in March 1952 they moved to Wichita, Kansas for better job opportunities. During this time Larry was born. Harry began a job at the Coleman Company where he worked for 24 years.

   The family then moved to Valley Center, Kansas in 1963. Larry, Bonnie and Kenneth attended their school years there. Surprise baby, Christopher Manches, arrived on February 16th, 1968. Betty was a loving, nurturing Wife and Mother, who loved her family dearly. She had a strong faith in God - it was a major part of her life. She made sure the family members were always in church whenever the doors were open.

   In 1976, Betty, Harry and Chris moved to Hill City, Minnesota. During this time Mike and Kathy Francisco joined the family. The new family enjoyed life in the Northland while Chris, Mike and Kathy attended school in Hill City. Betty and Harry opened HRTLand Sporting Goods with Ralph and LaDonna Thurlby. They also worked at Quadra Mountain Resort. Betty earned her nursing certificate and cared for elderly patients. From 1987 to 1992 Betty and Harry worked and lived in Minneapolis.

   They retired at Windy Lake in the summer of 1992. Their cabin became a hub for family and friends visiting and on vacation. There was always plenty of fishing, coffee and ice cream available. When country life became difficult they moved to the Manor in Hill City. While living there, Harry passed away in 2012. Betty moved to Newton, Kansas in 2014 to begin a new chapter in life on her own.

   In 2021, after she could no longer live alone, she moved in to Reflection Living in Wichita, Kansas. There was a large celebration for her 90th birthday in February 2023 at her Newton church and the Breadbasket Restaurant. Family came from all around the country for the exciting day. She enjoyed the Breadbasket by eating her bread pudding first! We will always carry our memories of her in our heart.

There will be a graveside service at Lakeview Cemetery by Windy Lake On Sunday, August 11th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

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