Betty Lou Laper, age 87, of Rio, passed away Monday, August 11, 2025 at At Home Again in Rio. She was born April 24, 1938 in Dalton to Adolph and Alheida Steifner.

Betty married Roger Laper October 26, 1957, in Dalton. Over the years, Betty dedicated herself to both her family and her community. She worked as an office manager at EIP in Madison, served at the Co-op in Rio, managed Meals on Wheels in the Rio Firestation, and generously volunteered her time at the Columbia Health Care Center.

A faithful member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pardeeville, Betty’s kindness and commitment touched many lives. She found joy in simple pleasures; tending her garden, reading a good book, crocheting gifts with care, and joining friends on bus trips. Each year, she would either buy or knit new hunting caps, a thoughtful tradition that brought warmth, literally and figuratively to those around her. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, her quiet strength, and her unwavering dedication to helping others.

She is survived by her sister Mildred (Ferd) Roeder; sons, Dan (Lori) Laper and Dennis (Gail) Laper; grandchildren, Jason (Tiffany) Laper, Matt (Crystal Lea) Laper and Crystal (Justin) Stefanko; great grandchildren, Hailey Laper, Axel and Asher Stefanko, Angelita Colin, Harrison Laper and Dorthy Laper; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Roger; sister Leona Bender; brother Robert Steifner; and great grandson Gage Laper.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at St. John Lutheran Church in Pardeeville with Pastor James Plocher officiating. Visitation will be held at 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at Church. There will be a private burial held at a later date. Memorials may be made out to the family. The family would like to thank Generations Hospice and At Home Again Assisted Living staff for their compassionate care they took of Betty.