Betty Fast

Betty Ann Elkins Fast passed away from her joyful earthly journey to a glorious Heavenly reunion on March 29, 2025.

She lived a life full of joy and LOVED her family, the Lord, and His gospel.

Betty was born to Chester Morrill Elkins and Mabel Caroline Nelson in St. Paul Minnesota on July 21, 1932.

She cherished her young life living on a farm in Mahnomen, MN especially taking care of the animals.

She graduated Salutatorian at Mahnomen High School and was awarded a scholarship to St Olaf College in Northfield, MN, where she focused on her studies and relationships with her roommates.

After completing her first year of college, she agreed to chaperone her friend's younger brother on a drive out west to California.

While working at Howard Hughes, she was swept off her feet by Richard (Dick) Calhoun Fast, along with his three beautiful children from a previous marriage and they were eventually married on May 30, 1954, in Yuma, AZ.

Dick introduced Betty to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and she became a devoted follower of Christ. They moved to Utah and eventually had six more children.

In addition to caring for her own family, she also welcomed several Native American children into her home supporting and caring for them during the school year.

Betty stayed busy in the community, serving for years in the PTA, singing with the Keynote Singers and nurturing beautiful relationships with her friends in a quilt club. Over time, she made hundreds of quilts for family, extended family and friends.

She served in many teaching and leadership capacities in her church community and particularly enjoyed working with and developing the youth.

She and Dick served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ in Sydney, Australia from 1989-1991 and developed many lasting and lifetime friendships while serving and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Betty cherished her posterity and had 51 grandchildren, 113 great-grandchildren and 21 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, Stevan, Native American child, Gilbert Yazzie, granddaughter, Amber, grandson, Jacob, great-granddaughter, Jessica.

She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Kuehl, her children, Richard B (Sherry), Eric B (Beth), Carol A (Jerry) Nelson, Jewel (Stan) Martin, Brian (Kathy), Marilyn (Thom) Richards, daughter-in-law Terri, Christian (Terry) and Deborah (Jeff) Finch.

Her legacy is a glowing example of unconditional love, service and sacrifice to family and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 4, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at the Kearns North Stake Center, 4260 W. 5215 S. Kearns, Utah. Viewings will be held Thursday, April 3, 6-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, and again Friday, 9:00-9:45 a.m. at the church prior to the Funeral Service.

Interment, Redwood Memorial Estates,6500 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah.