Betty Knoot, resident of Silver Valley, AB, passed away in her home on Saturday, December 24, 2022, at the age of 93 years.

Betty was born in Epe, Netherlands, the second of four children. Her childhood on the family farm was filled with bike rides, horse riding, and playing sports such as korfball, but was overshadowed by the German occupation during World War II. Following the war, her parents, siblings, and fiancé immigrated to the Picture Butte, AB, area where they initially worked on a sugar beet farm. In 1954, most of the family became homesteaders in Silver Valley and settled in the area in 1958. Betty and Corney were married in 1956, and became parents in 1958, with the arrival of George. John and Neal joined the family in 1961 and 1964 – Betty was fond of saying that the girls would come later.

Betty was actively involved in the community through her work with groups such as the Jr. Forest Wardens and the Silver Valley Ladies club. Her primary passion in life, however, was farming. She worked on the farm with both livestock and equipment into her 70s. She continued to provide agricultural advice to her family right up to the end. Associated with this passion was her love of driving around the farm and surrounding area in her Gator. Betty loved to take grandchildren and neighbors along to check the crops and when they weren’t available, she was often accompanied by a cat or dog sitting in the passenger seat.

The loss of her husband Corney in 2010, and son George in 2012, meant that Betty was now living alone on the farm. Betty made it very clear that there was no where else that she wanted to be and continued to live there until her death at home on December 24, 2022. Her family is very thankful for the many neighbors who helped make this possible for Betty and are especially grateful to Jean Scarrow and Ula Knelson for their daily support during the final year of her life.

Thanks is also extended to all of the Home Care staff who provided her with support for many years.

Betty will be sadly missed by her son John (Sheila); daughter in-law Diane; grandchildren: Andrew (Darcie), Melissa, Annelise (Michael) Goodchild, and Chad; great-grandchild Adelaid Albertje; sisters Hilley Broker and Jane (Ed) Gaydosh; sister in-law Rena Norel; as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Betty was predeceased by her husband Cornealius “Corney”; brother Hans; as well as sons George and Neal.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 2:00pm, at the Savanna Agriculture Society Rec-Plex near Silver Valley (81378 Range Rd 100). Luncheon to follow.

Memorial Donations may be made to the Stollery Children’s Hospital (8440 112 St, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7).