Remembering Betty O'Rourke

Betty O’Rourke (Black Elk), a Lakota elder, longtime advisor, and dear friend of Re-Member made her journey to the Spirit World on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. We share this news with the permission of her family.

For more than twenty years, a stop at Bette’s Kitchen in Manderson was part of the regular Re-Member weekly program. Going to Betty’s was something everyone always looked forward to. Our staff, our volunteers, Betty and her family would all come together and hang out over Indian tacos, chicken noodle soup, the special of the day, or whatever Betty had cooking. 

Betty speaks to Re-Member volunteers in her kitchen during the 2023 volunteer season.

Lunch at Betty’s was more than just a meal. It was literally being welcomed into her home. It was good food and even better company. The backdrop of bluffs never got old.

Betty was an incredible human being. She was sharp, she was witty, she was kind, and she was fair. Betty was absolutely hilarious. She had a tremendous knowledge of her history and her culture. She had a powerful love for her family. 

A collection of “daily special” menus from Bette’s Kitchen, used to record Re-Member volunteer lunches.

Over the years, countless Re-Member staff have grown close to Betty and her family. Many of us have become like family. Some of us grew up together and some of us have grown old together, we have laughed together, and we have cried together.

We have mourned together too, as we do now.

It is difficult to accept that the Re-Member bus won’t be climbing the hill to her home. That Betty won’t be where she was so often, in her kitchen, laughing and cooking, and bringing joy to so many people. Bette’s Kitchen was truly something unique and special. It was exactly what it was, it didn’t need to be anything else. It wasn’t perfect, but it was full of love. Just like Betty.

Thanks Betty – for the meals and the memories – for everything. You will be dearly missed.

If you wish to offer financial support for the family, donations can be made to Re-Member in Betty’s honor. Please allocate your donation for the “general fund,” and note that your gift is in memory of Betty O’Rourke. All monies received will be turned over to Betty’s family to support upcoming expenses.