RAPID CITY | Betty "Kelly" Emerson gently left this world peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on March 14, 2014, at the Hospice House in Rapid City, South Dakota. "Kelly" lived an extraordinary life with a far-reaching smile and positive outlook that touched everyone around her. Born August 16, 1918, in Omro, Wisconsin, to Max and Kathryn Loewen. She grew up on the farm, the youngest of four sisters. Betty married Claude L. Emerson in 1943 and started their adventure together which included traveling and camping. Settling in Palisade, Colorado, they lived on a peach ranch where their two children, Gene and JoAnn, were born and raised. Claude and Betty moved with their young family to Rapid City in 1959 where they continued their adventuresome spirit in the Black Hills. They managed the Black Hills Egg Producers till 1974. They were survivors of the 1972 Rapid City flood. In 1974, Betty began an enjoyable career at the Black Hills Animal Hospital, retiring in 1988 at age 69. After Claude passed away in 1981, Betty began a new chapter of her life. She continued to travel and enjoy her friends. From hiking down and up the Grand Canyon at age 65, to traveling to her beloved southern slickrock in Utah camping, to fishing on the Missouri for salmon, to traveling down to New Mexico in the Roadtrek because she had ran out of chili powder. She was always on the "go" enjoying all the people in her life. Betty lived her faith and it sustained her. There was not an animal around that she didn't love and care for. She thoroughly enjoyed reading. Her positive approach to life and smile was her true essence and many were inspired. We celebrate her life well lived. Survivors include a daughter, JoAnn Emerson, Rapid City; a son, Gene Emerson, Rapid City; a grandson, Aaron (Michelle) Hoffman and their two children, Stephen and Alex Hoffman, Jacksonville, NC. Also surviving is her extended family of friends who knew her as Betty, or Kelly, or Grandma "E." Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, with a vigil with rosary recitation at 7 p.m. A Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, with the Rev. Ed Vanorny presiding. A luncheon will immediately follow the mass. Burial will be at 3:00 pm Wednesday, March 19, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD. Memorials may be directed to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help or Hospice House.