Berry, Betty Jean 1924-2009

BERRY, BENSON, OLSON, VAN DER VEER, REAVIS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/23/2010 at 23:59:34

Poweshiek County Chronicle-Republican; Sept. 23, 2009

BETTY BERRY, 84

Betty Berry, 84, of Grinnell and formerly of Montezuma, passed Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, at the St. Francis Manor in Grinnell. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m. at the Jackson Township Cemetery in Montezuma. As her wish, her body has been cremated. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Grinnell Regional Hospice of the American Legion Auxiliary. Friends may give condolences or sign the online guestbook at www.holland-coblefuneralhome.com. Holland-Coble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Jean Berry, daughter of Arthur "Bobby" and Laurine (Benson) Olson was born on Sept. 17, 1924, in Grinnell. She was a 1942 graduate of Grinnell High School. After graduation, Betty taught country school in the Grinnell and Ewart areas. On Nov. 25, 1947, she was united in marriage to Lyle Berry. To this union four children were born, Donnie, Ellen, Tom and Janet. Lyle and Betty farmed in the Brooklyn and Montezuma areas until 1958, when they moved west of Montezuma where Betty resided until 1999, after Lyle's death, and then moved to Grinnell. Betty worked at Brownells Inc. and Sutherland Printing in Montezuma, along with raising her family. Betty enjoyed her crafts and was active in quilting, painting, ceramics and pottery. She also enjoyed sewing and crocheting and was an avid reader. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star and several quilt clubs; Jewel Box Quilters of Grinnell, Tuesday Quilters of Grinnell and Peacemakers of Montezuma. Betty also belonged to the Montezuma Presbyterian Church and Socialization of Retarded Citizens.

Her memory is honored by her four children, Donnie (Kathy) Berry of Motnezuma, Tom (friend, Gayle) Berry of Montezuma, Ellen (Mark) Van Der Veer of Clear Lake and Janet Berry of Montezuma; one sister, Lucille Reavis of Grinnell; seven grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur "Bobby" and Laurine Olson; her husband, Lyle; and her brother, Marlyn "Ole" Olson.