Betty Jo Koltes , 67, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at Valley Senior Living on Columbia in Grand Forks.

Betty Jo Koltes (Sandvik) was born on December 11th, 1954, in Cooperstown, ND as the second child of Lyla Pittenger and Ted Sandvik. Betty graduated from Valley City High School and obtained her Assistant Accountant Degree from Merritt Davis Business College. She was married to Bob Koltes for 25 years and the proudest of her days came in 1987 when Tamara Jo Koltes was born.

Betty and Bob spent their lives together in North Dakota, Oregon, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Arizona. They settled in Crookston, MN for much of this time, where Betty worked for Tri-Valley and could be found scoring high and having a good time at the bowling alley. After their time in Crookston, they moved to Lake Havasu City, AZ and owned a resale furniture shop.

After divorcing, Betty moved to Grand Forks, ND where her family was able to enjoy her company on a more regular basis. Betty had a ball playing in pinochle tournaments with her mother, Lyla. She had an infectious laugh and was known to crack a joke or two, and sarcasm was her forte. Betty loved dancing, games of all sorts, relaxing by the pool, going on boat rides, and of course, a good Black Velvet and Diet Coke.

Most importantly, she was her daughter's best friend and saw many places while visiting Tamara in Portland, Seattle, New York, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles. Even though miles kept them apart, they made sure to stay in close contact and visit as much as they could. Betty's joyful and mischievous personality will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.  She was a caring mother, sister, and friend.

She was survived by her daughter, siblings, and extended family.

Instead of a funeral or memorial service, Betty requested a party to laugh and share memories. In lieu of flowers, please come and a raise a glass in Betty's honor on Sunday, April 3rd 1:00-4:00pm at the Sin Bin at 4401 S Washington in Grand Forks, ND 58201.