Betty L. Harrington

Betty L. (Swanson) Harrington, 93, Kearney, died Friday, January 9, 2026 at St. John’s - Good Samaritan Society Center in Kearney. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the Kearney eFree Church with Pastor John Fowler officiating. Burial will be at the Kearney Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will be at 9:30 A.M. prior to the service Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Kearney eFree Church. The service can be viewed by visiting https://vimeo.com/1154429509/adb04747eb?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci Betty was born May 31, 1932 on the family homestead North of Orleans, Nebraska, to Albert and Ruth (Blickenstaff) Swanson. She was baptized on April 21, 1946 in the Orleans Evangelical Free Church. She graduated from Orleans High School in 1950. After graduation, she worked in Orleans for an insurance agent and lawyer for two years. Betty married Charles Harrington on June 25, 1952 in Orleans. Shortly after being married, Charles and Betty moved to California where Charles was stationed at Camp Pendleton while Charles served his country in the United States Marines. During their time in California, Charles and Betty welcomed their first child, Doug. Once the Korean War was over, Charles and Betty decided to move back to Alma, Nebraska where they welcomed their second son, Dan. In 1956, the family moved to Kearney, NE where they welcomed two more children, Sheryl and Kevin. Upon moving to Kearney, they became members at Kearney Evangelical Free Church. Betty’s faith was a vital part in her life. She loved serving the Lord in many different clubs and organizations. She was a part of the Christian Women’s Club, the Evening Bells Extension Club, the Golden K Kiwanis, Buffalo County 4-H, the Cancer survivor club and the “Betty” club. She met wonderful people in these clubs that turned into lifelong friendships. She enjoyed taking bus trips and cruises with these friends over the many years of friendship. Over the years, many people have mentioned how she was always so welcoming, pleasant to talk to, and had a very contagious loving smile. During her nearly 70 years of living in Kearney, she held many different jobs to help businesses throughout the holidays with her main enjoyment being selling Avon products for over 40 years. Upon retirement, she continued to serve in her many organizations and loved watching her grandchildren grow. She was always so excited to welcome and hold her new baby great grandchildren. Betty will always be remembered for her kind heart, her love of family and friends and her unwavering and enduring devotion to Jesus Christ. Betty is survived by her children; sons, Doug Harrington of Kearney; Dan Harrington of Kearney; daughter, Sheryl Kruse of Kearney; son, Kevin Harrington and his wife Christy of Beatrice; Grandchildren, Bob Harrington, Jenny Harrington, Jared Kruse (Marissa), Jason Kruse (Jordan), Jenae Loschen (Jared), Eric Harrington, Ryan Harrington (Ruhtana), Lindsey Spale (Brian); nieces, nephews, numerous great grandchildren, and friends. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Ruth; husband, Charles; sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and Ray Larson; son-in-law, Bruce Kruse, infant grandson Jeff and infant granddaughter Jessica.

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Betty L. Harrington

May 31, 1932 - January 9, 2026