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Funeral services will take place on Thursday, September 3, 2015 at 10:00 AM (Mountain).

American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
A visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service.



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In memory of

Betty Brotherton Denke

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 73

Betty Lou Orris was born at Dr. Clara Owens’ house in Miller S.D. on March 10, 1942, the daughter of William Clarence and Dorothy (Moldrzik) Orris. She grew up on a farm in Carlton Township located in Hand County, South Dakota. She attended Casterline country school through the 8th grade.

In 1958 she married Floyd Brotherton and to this union were born two sons, Jon and Wyatt. They made their home on a farm southeast of St. Lawrence. She later moved to various areas in western South Dakota and Wyoming where she worked at various jobs ranging from waitressing to skidding timber.

In 1964 she married Jack Trautman. They lived in Huron for a brief time before moving to several farms and ranches and finally settling on a ranch south of Hot Springs. She later moved to Rapid City where she received her GED. In 1972, she settled in Philip to work as a meat wrapper in the Philip Processing Plant. She later worked at the nursing home, Little Scotchman and Vivene Matthews’ flower shop. In both her mother and father’s later lives she took care of them until their deaths.

In 1978, she met Marvin Denke and they were together from that point forward, marrying in 2000. She and Marvin spent much time building their home and countless hours working on the yard and garden. They spent time fishing, visiting family and sharing the produce of their garden.

Betty enjoyed growing flowers, and feeding and watching the birds. In her spare time she etched glass, knitted rugs, made jewelry and read books and magazines on the ancient civilizations.

Survivors include her husband Marvin Denke, of Philip; two sons Jon Brotherton (Wendy) of Pierre, and Wyatt Brotherton (Sheila) of Huron; two stepchildren Charity (Doug) Keierleber of New Castle and Robin Denke of Rapid City; eleven grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one sister, Sandy Trautman (Edmond) of Madison; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 3, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.


FUNERAL SERVICE
Thursday, September 3, 2015 - 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney

MUSIC
Barry & Edna Knutson - Vocalists
“The Old Rockin’ Chair”
“I’ll Fly Away”

USHERS
Ron Millage - Phil Pearson

PALLBEARERS
Katie Brotherton - Jill Brotherton
Seth Brotherton - Mark Keierleber
Natasha Keierleber - Monte Denke

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

  • We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
    Love, Mike & Shar     ~ Mike and Shar Moses Philop (8/29/2015)
  • Our deepest sympathy. So sorry for your loss. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, S.D. (8/29/2015)
  • Marvin and all of Betty's family, We would like to express our sympathy to you in the loss of Betty. You will be in our thoughts & prayers. We know that Betty is now "breathing easy" so we have to be happy for her. ~ Joe & Kathy Gittings Philip (8/29/2015)
  • Jon & Wendy--Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts & prayers go out to you & your family. Take care! ~ Janice Ellis White River, SD (8/29/2015)
  • Marvin & family: Our deepest sympathy to all. We pray God to give you peace & comfort in your precious memories. ~ Nels & Dorothy Paulson Hayes, SD (8/29/2015)
  • Condolences and prayers to Jon, Wendy and family. ~ Elsie Bak Ft. Pierre, SD (8/29/2015)
  • Jon and Wendy, Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. ~ Amanda Hill White River (8/29/2015)
  • Denke and Brotherton families. I am so sorry for your loss. ~ Amy Hatheway Pierre (8/29/2015)