Betty L. (Cole) Wales

Betty L. (Cole) Wales, age 91, of Bassett, NE and formerly of Chadron, NE passed away Monday, April 7, 2025, at the Rock County Hospital Long Term Care in Bassett.

Betty was born April 21, 1933, in Long Pine, NE to Glenn and Lena (Jones) Cole. She graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1950. On February 14, 1951, Betty was united in marriage to Dan Wales at the courthouse in Ainsworth, NE. They settled in the Bassett area until they moved to Chadron in the early 80s. To this union they had three children, Calvin, Christine and Chet.

Betty had a love for nature and found joy in her flower gardens, where she spent countless hours. There wasn’t a flower or bird that was unknown to her, and she took pride in sharing that knowledge with her family and friends. Her hands were rarely still--always working with purpose, whether she was canning fresh vegetables, painting a new canvas, or crafting something special in her woodworking room. She had a creative spirit and would share her gift of crafting with many.

Betty was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. Her home was always welcoming and open for family celebrations where you were treated to delicious homemade meals.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dan Wales; father and mother-in-law, Gertrude and Claire Wales; daughter, Christine Bump; and three brothers, Earl, Dave and Alanson “Lance” Cole.

She is lovingly remembered by her family, including two sons, Calvin Wales (Debbie) of Elephant Butte, NM and Chet Wales (Marcia) Dunning, NE; five grandchildren, Nathan Wales (Jennifer) of Sweden, Jennifer Dieken (Klint) of Eagle River, AK, Dustin Wales (Dana) of Brentwood, TN, Melissa Clark (Jeremiah) of Elephant Butte, and Sarah Meyers (Josh) of Lincoln, NE; nine great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Brett Bump of Black Hawk, SD; sister, Dona Gibson of Springview, NE; two sisters-in-law, Judy Cole and Dorothy Cole both of Ainsworth; along with nieces, nephews and countless other friends in the community.

A Celebration of Life Event was held on Friday, April 18, 2025 at the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth. Pastor Steve Whitten officiated at the service. Memories and loving stories of Betty were shared by Jennifer Dieken and Calvin Wales. The Alan Jackson CD Selections played were “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace.” A Private Family Inurnment followed in the Moulton Cemetery near Almeria, NE. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rock County Hospital Long Term Care in Bassett in Betty’s name. Cards of condolence can be sent to Chet Wales at PO Box 175, Dunning, NE 68833. Online condolences may be left for the family at: www.hochfuneralhome.com.