Betty J. (Drevo) Buck (88), took her final curtain call and walked into the golden sunset at sunrise on December 17, 2024. An eternal optimist, she squeezed the nectar from the fruit of every single second of every single minute of every single hour of every single day. She was born at home in Crete, Nebraska, on November 8, 1936. The midwife told her mom that if she survived her first evening, she would be okay. She was more than okay.

She had a light. It glowed. From within. It was vibrant and curious and magnetic. To her daughters, it could be a little embarrassing, especially when they were growing up. Over the past 18 years, since her first and only love, Norm, passed away, her daughters not only grew to appreciate her unfettered enthusiasm, but also embrace and emulate it.

Motherless at the age of 6 with two younger and phenomenal brothers- Kenny and Dave, she was raised in rural Nebraska by her father, extended family, and a far-reaching community, which imprinted a love of the outdoors, animals, and adventure.

Through her determination and industriousness, she beautifully navigated the topography of the unexpected. When she wanted to attend college to pursue her dream of bringing her love of athletics to others as a PE teacher, a lack of funds and support (her H.S. guidance counselor told her that it was out of her reach) meant finding a non-traditional way to attend a year at Nebraska Wesleyan. In the end, she didn't require a degree to fulfill her vision. Throughout her life, she taught hundreds of adults and children to swim, coached her daughters' softball teams, and intertwined a life of activity and passion for sports into each day.

With her husband, Norm, whom she met in Lincoln, NE, in 1959 and married 8 months later on February 27, 1960- because she knew he was the one (and why wait), they settled in Grand Island, Nebraska, in 1967. Together, they created a family with three daughters, Dawn, Debbie, and Deanne, and built Buck's Moving & Storage "one truck at a time." She and Norm shared a love of camping, skiing in Colorado, summer vacations, taking a busload (literally) to Central Catholic football games, and, later in their retirement, traveling the country in their RV and creating community in California and Arizona.

When Norm passed away unexpectedly on February 15, 2006, they had just moved to their 20-acre dream sanctuary of barns, pastures, and corals. She navigated her grief by cultivating deep friendships and time outside building a next life in the country.

Betty loved full moons. She sent texts to her daughters well past their bedtimes, which was WELL past her bedtime describing the intimate details of the Harvest, Hunter, Buck, Wolf, Flower . . .moons.

She also loved clocks. This is a little surprising given her propensity for never being on time. Not once. Ever.

She loved music. If a musician came to town (or to the state), she would buy two tickets. She was going!... and would figure out her sidekick at a later date. Her only regret was not seeing BB King in concert. She vowed never to wait for anyone to see live music. And, wait for anyone, she did not.

She loved singing. A Soprano, she sang in the church choir and at home. At 19 years old, she went into the recording studio and made an album.

She loved her dogs. Boopsie. Mitsi. Rags. Sam. Hondo was her protector after Norm's passing. Trucker was her soul mate, companion, friend, walking partner, adventurer, and attracted many a clear-eyed soul into her gravitational field.

She gathered friends. All ages. And, she loved people. Her favorite part of running her own business was working with the community. Her heart was big and full and overflowed.

When she wasn't at the office, doing yoga at the Y, or gallivanting with her myriad of women friends, she was at her beloved home walking the country roads morning and evening, mowing the yard, overseeing the cutting of the alfalfa field, or chatting with Dennis about his cattle.

Above all, though, she held an unrestrained love of life and her family. Her three daughters, Dawn, Debbie, and Deanne, walked the path with her hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder, and forever linked. Her grandchildren, Ardelle, Jamie, Jessey, and Trev, and great-grandchildren, Zylah and Baylar brought joy that could not be contained. Oh, how she loved babies.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Loreen (Kasha) Drevo, her husband of 45 years, Norman Buck, her dear younger brother, Kenneth Drevo, and Trucker, who was forever by her side with cuddles, snuggles. He loved walking as much as her.

Those honored and privileged to carry on her spirit are her brother, David (Norie) Drevo, and her daughters, Dawn Petersen, Debbie (Tim Tharp) Buck, and Deanne Buck. Her son-in-law, Jim Petersen. Her grandchildren, Ardelle Buck, Jamie Petersen, Jessey Petersen, and Trev Petersen. Her great-grandchildren, Jessey's daughters, Zylah and Baylar. Her sister-in-law, Marla (Kenneth) Drevo. And many much-loved nieces and nephews, in-laws, and friends.

Her family is forever grateful to the entire 4th-floor nursing team at GI Regional Hospital, led by the incredible Anthony Kersten, and the hospice team at Tabitha. Betty was supported in health by Dr. Brown, Dr. Crockett, Dr. Duckert, Dr. Simpson, and their entire caring staff who surrounded her with grace, kindness, and laughter. Her family's gratitude runs deep.

Mass of Christian burial will be Monday, December 23, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral. The Most Rev. James R. Golka will preside, Fr. Mark A Maresh will concelebrate. Inurnment will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, December 22, 2024, from 4 – 6 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel with a vigil service at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Grand Island Central Catholic, Grand Island YMCA, or Central Nebraska Humane Society in Betty's memory. Your thoughts and prayers may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Betty's obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.