VAN GERPEN, Betty J. 1927-2012

VAN GERPEN, FREER, REYNOLDS, BOLENDER, SMITH, BUSHNELL

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 11/3/2012 at 00:37:34

CEDAR FALLS - Betty J. Van Gerpen, 85, of Cedar Falls, passed away Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at the Western Home Communities Thalman Square in Cedar Falls.

She was born March 25, 1927, in Jacksonville, Illinois, the daughter of Cleatus and Celia (Freer) Reynolds.

On August 20, 1950, she married Harlan Van Gerpen in Carrollton, Illinois, and over the years they participated in several service and cultural learning trips, visiting many interesting countries around the world.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from the University of Illinois and taught prior to starting their family. She was a member of Valley View Baptist Church in Cedar Falls for 50 years, and presently First Baptist Church in Waterloo. She served as President of the League of Women Voters, on the board of Waterloo YWCA, was a member of Cedar Falls Woman's Club and PEO Chapter LK, among other organizations.

She is survived by her husband, Harlan; three daughters: Jo Anna Van Gerpen of Cedar Falls, Sara (Dave) Bolender of Chewelah, WA, Mary (John) Smith of Wilmette, IL; two sons, Tom (Connie) of Davenport and Jon (Mary Jo) of Moscow, ID; twelve grandchildren: Megan, Kathleen, Grace, Mary Faith and Elizabeth Smith, Katy (Eli) Bolender Gurash, Kristen (John) Bolender Robbins, and Kelsy Bolender, Stephen and Jay Van Gerpen, Jamie (Jason) Herring and Abby Van Gerpen; three great-grandchildren: Xander and Oliver Gurash and Sydney Robbins; a sister, Phyllis (Paul) Bushnell of Carrollton, IL; a sister-in-law, Melody Reynolds of Whitehall, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Reynolds.

Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Waterloo with burial in Fairview Cemetery, Cedar Falls, prior to the service. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Richardson Funeral Service and also for one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Cedar Falls Woman's Club, Western Home Foundation, or First Baptist Church in Waterloo.

Betty had a passionate love for her family and to making the world and her community a better place to live through many years of active service to local organizations.

[Richardson Funeral Service Obituary]

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