Betina Basso

Betina Kieffer Basso was born to Mark and Pam (Robbins) Kieffer in Brookings, S.D., Dec. 27, 1973. She welcomed her younger sister, Meagan, to explore their world and continued her family life on the Kieffer Ranch near Rockerville, S.D.

Betina graduated summa cum laude from Rapid City (S.D.) Central High School in 1992. Her artistic talent was showcased in musical performances and her intellect as a member of the debate team. During these years she met her future husband, Travis Basso. They were married in 1998 at Strathaven Church in Rapid City.

Betina graduated in 1995 with a bachelors of science degree from South Dakota State College in Brookings. Her passion for care of others led to a master’s degree in physical therapy (MPT) in 1998 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. She worked as a pediatric physical therapist from 2001-19 at Custer (S.D.) Regional Hospital. Betina received the Regional Leadership Award in 2015 and proclaimed it belonged to every coworker.

Betina had two children, Madeline and Elliot, who were taught to love, care and to reach for lofty goals, to respect others, animals and nature’s entirety. Highest ethics, values and compassion were instilled by Betina. She was a soccer, football and “I will be there for everything” mother. No game went unattended and each event was captured in photographs. Birthdays were planned with detailed celebration and holidays held rejoicing. She engaged her children in fun and educational activities including horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, travel and reaching out to community and friends. Visiting her home resulted in an introduction to a menagerie of animals, dogs and horses, especially.

Betina was motivated to complete the task at hand that was meticulously entered on her “filled to the brim” organizational calendar. Her endeavors were coupled with hard work and finished to the end. In her petite frame, Betina turned a giggle to a laugh. This smile was shared frequently and freely. 

Betina died July 13, 2019. She was 45.

She was preceded in death by grandparents Ralph and Alice Kieffer of Rapid City and grandparents Wayne and Bernice Robbins of Watertown, S.D.

Betina is survived by her parents, Mark and Pam (Robbins) Kieffer; husband, Travis Basso; daughter, Madeline; son, Elliot; sister, Meagan Kieffer; and aunt, Barbara Kieffer Rowe, all of Rapid City; and aunts Judy Kieffer of Shreveport La., and Cheryl (Robbins) Sunny of Mobridge, S.D.  

Celebration of life  services are July 24 at Kirk Funeral Home in Rapid City at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Custer Regional Hospital for contribution to the healing garden, which will honor Betina.

Family and friends may sign Betina’s online guestbook at kirkfuneralhome.com.