Muriel E. "Betty" Gilson

GILSON, KLEMZAK

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 11/6/2024 at 12:48:13

Muriel E. "Betty" Gilson, 89, of Independence, died Friday morning, Oct. 2, 2009, at the Buchanan County Health Center, Independence.

Muriel Elizabeth Rowlands was born on June 20, 1920, at Pontypridd, South Whales, United Kingdom, the daughter of Violet Nadia Rowlands. She received her education in South Whales. Betty served in the British W.R.N.S. during World War II as an officer's steward and it was through her military service that she met her husband, Howard Lee Gilson, who served at a military army hospital. They were united in marriage on Nov. 16, 1945, in South Hampton, England.

She came to America on the Queen Mary, never to return to the United Kingdom again. Betty was a mother and homemaker for her family. She took classes and became an American Citizen on Aug. 29, 1956. She made her home in Otterville and various other homes in Buchanan County. Betty loved her pets. She had many dogs and birds through the years, her favorite bird was Petey. Another favorite pastime was knitting and crocheting. She won several ribbons from the Buchanan County Fair for items that she made.

Betty is survived by her four children: John Gilson of Atkins, Irwyn Klemzak of Waterloo, Richard Gilson of Lexington, Ky., and Robert (Lynne) Gilson of Hazleton; seven grandchildren; three step grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; eight step great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and her brother, Edward Mantle of Whales.

She was preceded in death by her mother and her husband.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5, at Floral Hills Funeral Home, rural Oelwein, with the Rev. Leo Combs-Lay officiating. Visitation is 2 to 6 p.m. today and for one hour before the service on Monday at Floral Hills Funeral Home, rural Oelwein. Interment will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, rural Oelwein.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com.