ROCKLAND — Elizabeth “Betty” B. Ekberg, 96, of Rockland, Maine, passed away at Winward Gardens in Camden on July 14, 2023. Betty was born on February 11, 1927, to Sylvester and Blanche (Ely) Brown of Old Lyme, Connecticut.

Betty was a “Beauty Operator” when she met and married Elden A. Ekberg of Scotts Bluff, Nebraska while he was attending submarine school for the Navy in Groton, Connecticut. They lived in too many places to list, but when Ed retired from the Navy, they settled down in Vian, Oklahoma on a small ranch. It was here that she found her true passion – horses. She bred and raised Appaloosas at the ranch and was thrilled when Spirit Man made it to the track to race at Blue Ribbon Downs. She also became known as the foal whisperer due to her ability to hand raise numerous orphaned foals for others when needed.

She and Ed moved to Connecticut in 2003 to be closer to family. She continued living there until 2020, when she moved to Rockland, Maine to enjoy the farm and coast.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Elden A. Ekberg, sisters Patricia McElroy and Sonia Way, both of Old Lyme, Connecticut, and her brothers Sylvester G. Brown, Jr. of Vermont and Robert J. Brown of Old Lyme, Connecticut.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Jan M. Comstock and her husband, Robert, of Thomaston, Maine; son John E. Ekberg of Oklahoma; granddaughter Katherine E. Comstock of Thomaston, Maine; grandson Kyler Ekberg and his wife Brittany of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; great grandson Cashton Ekberg of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; great granddaughters Kensington Ekberg of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Hadlie Ekberg of Oklahoma; and sister Fay Slater and her husband Ralph Slater of Old Lyme, Connecticut.

Betty requested a private family service when her ashes were spread at Jan’s farm in Thomaston.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Sumner Brook Farm Equine Rescue and Retirement in Middletown, Connecticut as she was so happy with the care extended to Tucker (Katherine’s pony) when he could not move to Texas with them due to a medical condition.

Hall’s of Thomaston has taken care of the arrangements.

To extend online condolences, light a candle for Betty or to share a story or picture, please visit her Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.