On September 7, 2013, the world lost the strongest woman it's ever had the pleasure of knowing. Betty Oswald was an amazing woman who spent her lifetime serving others, always putting their needs before her own. She had a fiercely independent soul, a spitfire demeanor and a laugh that made everyone smile.

She gave unselfishly of herself and never asked for anything in return, instilling in her children and grandchildren a strong work ethic and service to others.

On April 12, 1928, Betty was born to Otto and Viola May Harder in Manning, Iowa. She lived her life in Iowa before moving to Fort Bragg in 1964. She was employed several years at Club Fort Bragg and The Wharf. In her later years, she worked as a caregiver until August 4, 2013, when she suffered a devastating heart attack. Betty spent her final days surrounded by family and friends.

Betty held many roles in her lifetime, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, and was loved by all who knew her. She is survived by her nine children, Linda (Jim) Prince, Edward Plotz, Becky (Jim) Stouten, Randy Plotz, Rick (Connie) Oswald, Dick (Debbie) Oswald, Jeff (Lisa) Oswald, Debra (Mark) Cole, Joe (Karel) Oswald, and 25 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and her brother Robert (Mary) Harder, along with several nieces and nephews. Mom also left behind her lifetime best friend, Gloria Murphy, and Cole Sallee, her adopted grandson.

Her parents, her brothers, Otto, Chuck and Lyle Harder, and her grandson, Justin Brooks preceded her in death. At Betty's request, there will be no services.