Betty Jane (Keapproth) Base

Betty Jane (Keapproth) Base passed away peacefully on July 1, 2023, at Benedictine Living Community in Duluth, Minnesota, where she had resided since 2014.

Betty was born on February 20, 1930, to Herman and Grace (Purvis) Keapproth in Bancroft, Iowa, the last of nine children. Her family immigrated from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1920. She graduated high school in Bancroft when she was 16, having skipped several grades, and moved with her family to St. Paul, Minnesota. Betty attended Globe University and was a secretary at State Farm Insurance.

On May 14, 1949, she married Richard (Dick) Base, and they lived in Milaca and St. Paul until 1961 when they moved to Osceola, Wisconsin, where they owned and published the Osceola Sun newspaper. They moved to Shoreview, Minnesota in 1965, and in 1971 moved to Grand Marais, Minnesota where they owned and published the Cook County News-Herald until 1980. Betty was a hard worker all of her life and that included huge vegetable gardens, canning, sewing, needlework, knitting, and faithfully volunteering at their church. Always having a positive attitude helped her get through life by persevering, and without complaining. She and Dick instilled a hard work ethic and financial accountability in each of her children.

Betty truly loved her role as a grandma, and she was very involved in the lives of her four grandchildren. She was proud that she had three great-great-grandchildren, with another on the way. We were all blessed to have Betty in our lives for so many years. Her loving ways and kindness toward everyone made an impact on all who met her. She will be missed dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, parents, siblings, and an infant great-grandson.

Betty is survived by son, David, of Two Harbors; daughter, Nancy (Tony) Vatalaro of Duluth, and Cheryl (George) Humphrey of Grand Marais; grandchildren, Katie Humphrey, Kristi Humphrey-Smith (Jed Smith), Brittany (Cory) Van Reese, Peter (Claire) Vatalaro; great-grandchildren, Allie Smith, Carter Smith, and Gina Van Reese. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Ingrid Nisswandt-Larson, the staff at Benedictine, and all of the angels that cared for her so lovingly at Westwood Terrace. She loved you all. We also wish to thank Essentia Hospice staff, clergy, social workers, activity staff, and dietary. Your wonderful care and concern were always appreciated by Betty and her family.

A private family service is planned.