St. George, UT - Bettie Ruth Nebergall passed away on December 31, 2009 in St. George, UT after a long illness. Bettie was born to Leo and Ivah Westerhaus on May 31, 1926 at home in Burns, Kansas, as the youngest of three children. She attended grade school and high school in Burns and received a BA from the University of Wichita in 1947 with a Major in English and a Minor in the fine arts. She was recognized with many honors in art and music. During her sophomore year she was a Parnassus Queen candidate. Bettie met James Boyd Nebergall at the University of Wichita and they were married on June 4, 1948. They moved to LaCrosse, Kansas to start their lives together as school teachers. They subsequently moved to Great Bend, Kansas to continue their careers and to raise three daughters. The teaching careers of Bettie spanned the experience of working in a one room school house on the high plains to teaching advanced English composition at Great Bend High School. For many years she organized educational trips to Europe for high school students. She was an excellent role model and she made a positive impact on many, many young people. She made a difference. After retiring Bettie and Jim enjoyed traveling in their fifth wheel and would spend many winters in Yuma, Arizona. They lived a few years in Lawrence, Kansas and then moved to St. George, Utah. Bettie was an active member of the Catholic Church. Bettie was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers. She is survived by her husband, Jim; daughters: Lillian Cross of St. George, Lexie Engleman of Lawrence, Kansas, and Lynn Matthews of Banamichi, Mexico; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 8, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the Kuzy Hall at the St. George Catholic Church, 259 W. 200 North, St. George, Utah. A rosary will be prayed on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. Interment will take place at a later date in Hesston, Kansas. The family is grateful for the tender care provided by Zions Way Hospice as well as Kolob Care and Rehabilitation. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary 435-673-4221. In lieu of flowers you may want to make a contribution to your favorite charity.