Betty Lou Morar

Betty Lou Morar was born in a small town in Missouri to Hunter and Lucille Camp on May 30, 1932. From the start, Betty was a warrior, leaving home in her teens to travel and find her destiny. That destiny included marrying Alex Morar in 1953 in Omaha, NE, where she had 4 children, settling there until her death.

Betty loved children, especially her own, and was an early advocate for early childhood education for all. In her 30’s, after taking classes in Early Ed at UNO, Betty successfully owned and operated a children’s nursery for underprivileged children for over 15 years. Thereafter, she continued to work with underprivileged children through Lutheran Family Services and various charitable organizations.

A trained Master Gardner, Betty volunteered tirelessly with the team who created Lauritzen Gardens and maintained them in their early years. Battling breast cancer through most of her later years, Betty’s warrior spirit and wanderlust were not deterred. She traveled to the wilds of Russia, the bush of South Africa, reveled in the gardens and castles in England, and went many times to Ireland. She was a firm believer in movement for health, learning Tai Chi at an early age and throughout her life, taught it to groups of people, including children and the elderly. She saw as one of her greatest achievements helping a friend with Parkinson’s to once again become mobile.

A lover of all of the arts, Betty’s home was filled with wall art and sculptures, and she was constantly listening to music of all types. Even when she became less mobile she could be seen at the opera or symphony or an art opening, supporting the artists when she could. Intensely spiritual, Betty gave of herself through cancer support groups, monthly “spirit” meetings with like minded women, and support of American Indian culture through her close relationship with the poet John Neihardt’s family. Her ashes will be set free at the John G. Neihardt Park in Blair, NE.

Predeceased by her parents; sister, Mary Dever; and brother, Charles Camp.

Betty is survived by her sister Maxine Polete and family, her children Sandra (Bruce) Morar Rohde, Katrina Henry, Alexander David (Dawn) Morar, and Michelle Morar; grandchildren Sean (Kaelee) Hill, Justin (Jessica) Morar, Sarah Henry and Ashley Morar; step-grandchildren Joy Rohde, Greg Rohde, Dale Rohde and Jill Rohde Gaylord; several great grandchildren, step-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held, details to follow.