Betty Mae Halls, age 94, of River Falls, Wis., passed away on Dec. 9, 2024 in Eau Claire, Wis., where she had resided for the last 11 years under the care of her daughter, Cindy, except for the past year when she moved into a memory care facility.
She was born on April 10, 1930, in Minneapolis, Minn. to Beulah (Pyles) and Alfage Provost. Betty grew up in Minneapolis, where she formed lasting memories and a deep sense of family that she carried with her throughout her life.
In 1951, Betty married the love of her life, Dale Halls, and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and hard work. Dale passed away in 2000, but Betty’s devotion to him and their family remained unwavering throughout her life.
Betty’s children, Cynthia Halls and Jeffery Halls Sr., were the center of her world, and her heart expanded with the births of her grandchildren: Clayton Halls, Jack Halls, Jake Ernst, Sara Ernst, Christopher Stepanski, Jessica Stepanski, Trina Halls, Jeffrey Halls Jr., Breana Halls, Jesse Kanz, Sage Halls, and Michael Tober, as well as many cherished great-grandchildren. Betty was the proud matriarch of a large and loving family, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In 1967, Betty and Dale moved to River Falls, Wis. where they made their home and became pillars of the community. Betty had many dear friends in River Falls, and she found joy in traveling, visiting family, and singing with the Music Madams Choir. Her love of music was evident in everything she did, from her joyful singing to her love of dancing.
Betty was also an active volunteer at Ezekiel Lutheran Church, where she contributed her time often, by serving for funerals and always baking a cake to donate! She was known for her generous spirit, her willingness to help in any way she could, and for her exceptional cooking skills. Betty and Dale owned and operated restaurants and supper clubs in the River Falls area and one in New Richmond. Betty was the beloved prep cook in the family’s establishments. Her cooking was legendary, and she brought a sense of warmth and hospitality to everyone who crossed her path.
A devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Betty’s greatest joy was always her family. She had nine siblings.
Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dale; her parents, Beulah and Alfage Provost; six siblings and grandchildren Nathan Halls and Selma Halls. She is survived by her daughter Cynthia, her son Jeffery, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
A memorial service for Betty is being held on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (805 E. Division St.) River Falls, Wis. with visitation starting at 1 p.m. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery will immediately follow the service. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
