Betti Labs

Betti Jeanne Labs, 77, of Brainerd, Minnesota, passed away on March 5th, 2025, at Edgewood Senior Living.

A celebration of life for Betti will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Browns Valley on Thursday, June 26th, at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Midway Cemetery, with sandwiches, dessert, and coffee served at the church afterward.

She was born in Graceville, Minnesota, to Bill and Helen Peterson, and was one of eight children. Betti married Eugene "Gene" Labs in 1965 at Zion Lutheran Church in Browns Valley. After spending a year in Quincy, California, they returned to their hometown of Browns Valley to run Traverse "Labs" Resort.

Betti had a kaleidoscope of careers, working at Ike's Chicken Shack, also as a secretary at Browns Valley Schools, and owner and editor of the "Valley News" newspaper. Betti was well known for her ability to bring out the best stories from the people in her community, capturing the spirit of Browns Valley in print.

Throughout her life Betti enjoyed gardening, community Ed plays, board and card games, especially with her friends at Edgewood. Her favorite was a good game of cribbage. In her earlier years, she enjoyed racquetball, bowling, golf, softball and cross country skiing. Whether it was on the field or at the card table, she brought strategy and a little friendly competition to every game.

Her faith was central to her life, and she grew even closer to God after attending a women's retreat at Camp Shamineau with her friend Mona. She shared her faith with others, encouraging them to know Jesus and live with love and kindness. Betti also had a deep relationship with Pastor Michelle Ruen; through her friendship and faith she helped Betti through many ups and downs of her final years.

Betti's last 30 years of life encompassed many doctor appointments and care from hometown doctors to doctoring at the Mayo. Her younger sister, Diane, was a constant source of support, often accompanying her to appointments. With her nursing background, Diane took detailed notes to help Betti manage her diet and health, ensuring she had the best care possible.

Betti treasured her time with family, especially her daughter Lea, with whom she shared a close bond. Together, they loved gardening, attending plays, dining out, and shopping. She also felt grateful to have such a wonderful son-in-law in Aron Anderson; he was always at her beck and call.  Betti was incredibly proud of her grandchildren—Brent and Kasey's adventurous nature, Ara's intellectual curiosity, and Ella's creative energy. She admired their strength and kindness, always supporting their dreams. As a great-grandmother to Millie Jane, Betti considered this role one of her greatest delights.

Betti's survivors include her children: Aron and Lea (Labs) Anderson of Brainerd, MN; grandchildren, Brent and Kasey Bigler, Ara Anderson, and Ella Anderson; great-granddaughter, Millie Jane Bigler; siblings, Jim Peterson, Bob Peterson (wife Jodi), Diane Landmark (husband Darell), and Joanne (Peterson) Hedrick; sisters-in-law, Marlene Labs and Loretta Peterson; and brother-in-law, Ken Paulsen.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Labs; parents, Bill and Helen Peterson; in-laws: Fred and Agnes Labs; brothers, Larry and Dennis Peterson; sister, Deloris (Peterson) Paulsen; and in-laws, Edwin and Darlys Kuschel, Bonnie Peterson, and Duane Labs.

Though Betti has left this world, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who loved her.