Betty J. Fernaays

Betty Jane Fernaays, age 89 of Starbuck, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026 at the Glenwood Retirement Village.

Funeral services will be at the Lowry Community Covenant Church in Lowry, Minnesota on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 2 pm with Pastor Andy League officiating. Visitation one hour prior to service. 

Betty Fernaays was born January 8th, 1937 in Arcadia New York. She was the oldest of two daughters born to Isaac and Elizabeth DeLyser. She was raised in Canandaigua, NY with her younger sister Shirley.

On January 8th, 1955 she married Milo Fernaays Jr in Palmyra, New York and they made their home in that area. Together they had 8 children before moving to Manzanita, Oregon in 1978. After Milo’s passing in 1980 Betty stayed in Oregon but then moved back to New York in 1984 where she remained until moving to Starbuck, Minnesota in 2002 with her mother, Elizabeth.

Over the years Betty worked various jobs cashiering, waitressing, and most of all, mother to 8 kids. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, karaoke singing, and love of the church community.

She is survived by her children, Valerie (Shawn) Ellis, Scott (Darlene) Fernaays, Cindy Gebo, Linda Green, Jeffrey (Judy) Fernaays, Brenda Pendergraft, Lori (Jim) Lane, and Dawn (Dan) Land, many grandchildren and great grandchildren and other extended family members.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, Isaac and Elizabeth DeLyser; her husband, Milo Fernaays Jr; her sister Shirley Milsap; her grandson Shane Fernaays; and her granddaughter and great grandson Melinda Burchett and Milo Burchett.