Betty Jo (Hergott) Streber

Obit Betty Jo Hergott-69 of Omaha formerly Hebron, NE

Kroll Funeral Home Hebron, NE 402-768-6165

Betty Jo (Hergott) Streber was born on January 25, 1952 in Fairbury, Nebraska. She was baptized, and later confirmed, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gilead. She made her first communion at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria. Betty received the sacrament of matrimony to Merlin “Pumpkin” Streber on February 14, 1987 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hebron. Betty went to meet her heavenly father Sunday, October 17th in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 69 and surrounded by loved ones.

        Betty grew up on the family farm near Gilead as the second oldest of 16 children. She enjoyed helping her mom with cooking and taking care of her younger siblings, often reading to them way past bedtime. She also adored farm animals, especially the kittens. Betty helped her mother run the daycare in Gilead, Pat’s Kiddy Kampus, for a number of years and was particularly fond of holding the infants. Although she never had any children of her own, she had plenty of nieces and nephews she spoiled and always had a smile and lap for them to sit on, as well as attending their events.

        Betty lived in Lincoln for several years, where she worked as a cook and traveled with her husband, Merlin, to see family members in neighboring states. The couple eventually relocated to Hebron where they enjoyed playing bingo and cards, in addition to spending time with family. Betty never forgot a sibling's name, birthday, or anniversary, even sending them a card every year to commemorate their special day.

Betty was sometimes called “Betty Spaghetti,” which always made her smile, even in her final moments, because she didn’t actually like spaghetti. Over the past 20 years, Betty lived in various nursing homes, where she always enjoyed participating in activities and seeing her many visitors. However, one of her main requests for visiting was to bring some of her favorites: frog eye salad, fish sandwiches, strawberry shakes, and anything lemon flavored.

        Betty cherished her fancy dangling earrings and flashy painted nails. She also preferred the color red, which made her a huge fan of both the Huskers and Valentine’s Day. One of her favorite shows was “Wheel of Fortune,” which probably came from her being an avid word searcher and strong speller. In fact, she often won the spelling contests in whatever nursing home she lived in. She also delighted in praying, singing, putting together puzzles, and playing games. Of course, one of Betty’s favorite games was cards, which she would play anytime with anyone, but her opponent/s better be prepared to lose. She even played on one of her last good days, beating a number of siblings. Some of her favorite card games were pitch, golf, and kings corner.

        Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Merlin; parents, Paul and Patricia (DeWald) Hergott; sister-in-law, Suzanne (McCains) Hergott; and nephew, Karl Hundtofte. Survivors include her siblings: Barb Arner (Dan) of Fairbury; Bob of Hebron; Rick (Ila) of Lincoln; Herb (Vicki) of Berthoud, CO; Margaret Kobel of Winston-Salem, NC; Cheryl Dougherty (Mike) of Gilead; Mike (Tina) of Colorado Springs, CO; Cyndi Shinn (Gary) of Fairbury; Becky Hoover (Tom) of Fairbury; Rita Luongo (John) of Hebron; Steve (Kay) of Papillion; Brian (Jody) of Windsor, CO; Jeff (Heidi) of Eagle; Jan Behn (Dan) of Hickman; and Janelle Coady (Eric) of Roca; aunts, uncles, numerous nieces and nephews, and cousins.

        Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hebron, Nebraska on Saturday, October 23rd at 10 am. Rosary will be held at the same location on Friday evening at 6 pm. Officiant will be Father Steve Major, honorary casket bearers will be her brothers, cremation no visitation. Inurnment will be in the church cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.krollfh.com. Memorial in care of the family. Kroll Funeral Home of Hebron, NE is in charge of arrangements.

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