Betty (Brost) O'Brien, 84, of Custer, SD, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 after suffering the effects of dementia for several years.

Betty Lou Brost was born January 21, 1932 in Belle Fourche, SD to Otto and Pauline Brost. Betty was the 7th of 11 children, four of whom died in early childhood (Viola, Ida, Darrell, and Delores). Betty attended Belle Fourche High School and graduated in 1950. She married her husband of 62 years, Forrest O'Brien on November 21, 1953. Betty and Forrest raised two children-Daniel and Deana. She earned her Bachelor's degree and Teaching Certificate from Black Hills State Teachers College. The family moved from Belle Fourche to Custer, SD in 1966, where Betty taught 6th grade and 1st grade for several years in the Custer school system. She later was employed as a teacher at Custer State Hospital home for the developmental/mentally disabled where she thought of each of the residents as "one of her kids". While employed at the hospital she pursued her Masters in special education. After retirement, Betty was active with the Literacy Council of Custer County and acted as a parent (mentor) at the Custer Boy's Camp.

Betty was a devout Christian with an open heart towards and understanding of all religions. She attended services at the Lutheran Church.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Otto & Pauline; brother, Irvin; and sisters, Edna & Irene.

She is survived by her husband, Forrest; children, Dan O'Brien and Deana (Doug) Geraets, brother, Harold; sisters, Donna and Yvonne; seven grandchildren (Justin, Austin, Autumn, Drew, Alexandra, Cassandra, Jared,) and one great grandchild Sean Daniel.

There will be a celebration of life 11:30 a.m., Saturday, July 2, 2016, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Custer, with Pastor Eric Obermann officiating.

In lieu of flowers or a donation we ask that you only have warm and loving memories of our Mother and wife.