Betty Pryor

Betty (Chitwood) Pryor passed away surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to family, faith, and service. She was a proud military wife for more than 20 years and was married to the love of her life, Wayne Pryor, for an extraordinary 71 years—a true testament to commitment and partnership.

Betty was a devoted mother of five children and was preceded in death by her parents, Perlie and Lucy Chitwood; her beloved son, Terry Pryor; her granddaughter, Amber Hamp; and her brother, Lloyd Chitwood.

She is survived by her loving husband, Wayne Pryor, and her children: David Pryor, Rochelle (Pryor) Hamp, Russell Pryor, and Deborah Pryor-Diekmann. Her family was the center of her world, and she was a cherished grandmother to 11 grandchildren and a great-grandmother to 12 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy.

A graduate of Pine River High School, Betty was also a talented beautician. She owned and operated a beauty salon in Backus for many years, where she not only styled hair but built lasting friendships within the community. In addition, Betty and Wayne owned and operated several small businesses over the years, including B & W Bargain Barn and Betty’s Bloomers, ventures that reflected her love of gardening and rummage saling and allowed her to connect with people in ways she truly enjoyed.

Betty found happiness in simple, meaningful pursuits and especially loved gardening, sewing, and quilting—skills she shared generously with those around her. She was a faithful member of Pine River’s Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and an active participant in the Ladies Auxiliary. She was also an engaged member of the Odd-N-Ends Homemakers Club and the Backus American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, reflecting her lifelong commitment to service, fellowship, and community involvement. In keeping with her deep love for animals, Betty spent many hours volunteering at the Headwaters Animal Shelter, where she helped with fundraising activities and supported the shelter’s mission.

Betty will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, strong work ethic, and unwavering love for her family. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on through the many lives she touched and the family she nurtured.

Memorials preferred to the Headwaters Animal Shelter in Park Rapids, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian burial for Betty will be held at 11 AM on Monday, February 2, 2026 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Pine River, with a visitation the hour prior to the service.