Betty Denman

February 23, 1943 - May 05, 2026

Obituary

MORRISONVILLE – Betty Jane Denman, age 83, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Betty was born at St Mary’s Hospital Baraboo, Wi, on February 23, 1943, to Reginald and Petra (Madland) Briggs. She grew up in a big farmhouse in Baraboo, picking strawberries, sewing her own clothing, and playing accordion at her church. Betty graduated in 1961 from Baraboo High School and later attended Sauk County Teacher’s college, where she played a princess in a local production of a Broadway play. That is where she met the love of her life, Edward Denman. They were married on July 4, 1964, in Baraboo. Betty worked at ABS for many years. She was a devout Christian. Practicing all her life, she even started a Bible study club in high school. Over the years she enjoyed snowmobiling, square dancing, deer hunting with the whole Denman family, and especially spending time with her grand and great grandchildren. We will never forget her dancing and singing in the living room. She will be greatly missed.

Betty is survived by daughter-in-law, Juana Rodriguez; grandchildren, Bruce, Janeth (Luis), and Ali (Blanca); great grandchildren, Brenely, Yadiel, Jaidan, Yaretzi, Alicia, Yoselin, Alejandra, and Yasmin; siblings, Martha Phillips, Pauline (Michael) Dillard, Melvin (Cora) Briggs, and Marilyn Briggs; and sister-in-law, Mardell Briggs. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Betty is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Edward; son, Brian; and siblings, Reginald “Junior” Briggs and Mimi Steinhorst;

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church, 220 S. Main Street, DeForest. A visitation will be held from 9:30AM until time of service on Saturday at the church.

The family would like to thank family, neighbors, and especially Tom and Lisa Olsen, for lovingly watching over Betty. To view her obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250

Events

Funeral Service

Sat May 23, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM CDT

Christ Lutheran Church • 220 S Main St, Deforest, WI 53532

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Visitation

Sat May 23, 2026 @ 9:30 PM - 11:00 PM CDT

Christ Lutheran Church • 220 S Main St, Deforest, WI 53532

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Marty Briggs

Family • 5 months ago

I had the privilege to grow up with Betty Jane Briggs as my aunt. The Red Skelton Show had a laugh track that was used on many TV shows as I was growing up in the sixties. My aunt Betty had a contagious laugh, that I swore was on the famous laugh track. Every time I heard the laugh track I thought of my aunt Betty. It made me laugh and others that would be in the room with aunt Betty. Even though I didn't hear it as often as I did as a kid, I still remember it. Every time I watch the Beverly Hill Billie's, or the Dick Van Dyke Show or the Red Skelton Show I will think of that laugh. Then along came my uncle Ed who fell in love with the lady with the laugh. They had an amazing son Brian who became a very close cousin. Aunt Betty and Ed were a team that worked hard to put together more than 35 years of Briggs Family reunions. I believe they did almost as many Denman family reunions. They believed in family. Everyone looked forward to her smile and laugh. Brian had a family and she was blessed to experience being a grandmother. It fit her well. I will miss her laugh for a while. Someday when we meet again in the crowd in the great beyond, I will find her. I will listen for that laugh. Family will be there in that great family reunions of all family reunions! Until then I will miss you aunt Betty. - Love always nephew Marty Briggs