Elizabeth Swift 08/01/2019

Elizabeth “Betty” Louise Swift, age 69 of River Falls, WI and formerly of Gardner, ND, died on August 1, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer.  She was born the daughter of Kenneth and Helene (Rausslingue) Swift on June 1, 1950 in Sauk Centre, MN.  Betty spent her childhood years in Cheyenne, ND and her teenage years in Mayville, ND graduating from Mayville High School with the class of 1968.  She attended Mayville State University and North Dakota Sate University.  On June 17, 1972, Betty was married to Gregory Tastad in Sauk Centre, MN.  She farmed with her sister and brother-in-law and helped run Gardner Construction before going to work for Agway (now CHS).  Betty worked in seed research for 32 years retiring in the summer of 2016.  She liked to be outdoors, enjoyed reading and old movies, and loved animals of all kinds.  While in high school, Betty played the baritone saxophone in marching band, sang in the choir, and was quite the artist.  She was a strong, independent woman who was also very generous, supporting numerous organizations and causes through the years.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Helene Swift; and brother, Curtis Swift.  Betty is survived by her daughters, Tamara “Tami” (Troy) Jensrud, Kimberly “Kim” (Steve Gabrielli) Tastad; grandchildren, Mason Jensrud, Carter Jensrud, Taylor (Jeremiah) Steege, Katelyn Dooley, Morgan Dooley, Grant Gabrielli; sister, RoseAnn (Larry) Hoff; brother, Gerald (Debbie) Swift; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  A Celebration of Betty’s Life was held on Sunday, October 27, 2019 from 1-4 pm at Belle Vinez W10829 875th Ave, River Falls, WI.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.