Betty J. Machart

Betty.  Baker, bowler, bingoer, beautiful, blessed.

Betty (LeQuire) Machart was born to Edward and Myrtle LeQuire on September 4, 1933 in Grafton, ND and was called home to heaven on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.  She was the oldest girl in a family of 11 children.  At the age of six years old, she began working by drying dishes at Zinke’s Café, alongside her mother who also worked there. From that moment on, Betty worked to help support her family.  She worked several years at the soda fountain at Grafton Drug.  Betty then began a career of over 38 years at the State Developmental Center, formerly known as the Grafton State School.  She wore many hats in her service there, such as providing direct care to clients, ordering supplies, stocking inventory and coordinating many activities throughout the facility.  Her co-workers, medical staff and administrators recognized her work ethic and compassionate nature.

On February 14, 1955, Betty and Earl Machart were united in marriage.  They were married for 61 years, until his passing in 2016. She was a proud mother to their five children—Gail, Deb, Kevin, Scott and Nikki.  However, becoming a grandmother was icing on the cake. She loved spoiling her grandkids and always had a photo brag book of them in her purse. Following the loss of Earl, she was fortunate to find love again with her dear friend, Bob Oihus. He and his children became her bonus family.

In her free time, Betty loved to bowl and had many adventures with her bowling friends. In addition to bowling, she enjoyed casinos and bingo outings with her mom, sisters and friends.

Betty was a legendary cook and baker.  Her biggest requests were for caramel rolls, kolaches, brownies, pies and potato salad.  Recently, when asked what her favorite flower was, she responded “Gold Medal, because it’s the best for baking”.

She was a blessed, devoted servant of God and a member of St. John’s Catholic Church. Her ministry included serving on the Altar Society.  For years, she coordinated funeral luncheons and ensured that a good meal was prepared for grieving families. Betty cared deeply for those who were ill and in need of help, whether it was delivering a delicious home-cooked meal, dropping by to say hello or providing respite for caregivers.  Her dedication to others’ was a beautiful example of following in Christ’s footsteps.

Betty is survived by her sisters Shirley Langer, Beverly (Richard) Bolduc and Mary Hewitt (Greg Hahn).  She is also survived by her children Gail (Jon) Lasham, Deb (Herb) Winzer, Kevin (Bea) Machart, Nicole (Rick) Reuwsaat, grandchildren Jake Lasham, Sara (Will) Rosier, Casey Bessette, Emily (Alex) Andersen, Chloe Rodriguez, Lexi Rodriguez, great-grandchildren Lena Kuhbacher, Oliver Rosier, Audy Rosier, Gunther Rosier, Liam Bessette, Jack Andersen, Harvey Andersen, Miylah Rodriguez, Nalani Rodriguez. In addition, she is survived by her dear friend Bob Oihus and his children Bob Jr. (Julie) Oihus, Ann (Doug) McCann, Janice Oihus, Jodi (Larry) Stockert.

She was preceded in death by her husband Earl, son Scott, parents, six brothers and one sister.

She was a lifetime member of the Grafton community.

With grateful hearts, Betty’s family would like to thank the staff at Leisure Estates and Lutheran Sunset Home for the loving care they provided.

Please join us as we honor Betty:  Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton.  Visitation will be Monday from 5:00-7:00 at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton.  Friends may also call at the church on Tuesday for one hour prior to the service at the church.  A family rosary will be on Tuesday at the church at 9:00 A.M.  The funeral will be livestreamed on Betty’s obituary page on the Tollefson Funeral Home website.