Betty Jane Gotz (1925-2022)

GOTZ, HICKS, GIBBS, HAYNES

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 4/2/2022 at 12:42:44

Betty Jane Gotz, 97, of Moline, IL, passed away at the River Crossing Nursing Home on March 30, 2022.

Survivors include her two sons; Joseph (Irene) Gotz, Moline, IL, Richard (Mary) Gotz, Dubuque, IA; two grandchildren and a great grandchild. She is preceded in death by her husband, Wilmer (Bill) Gotz, and brother, Milas Hicks, and sister, Mary Lou Haynes.

Betty was born at home on October 22, 1924, in Galva, IL, the daughter of Charles and Irene Hicks (Gibbs). She grew up in Toulon, IL where her father had a barbershop. Betty met her husband Bill at John Deere Tractor works in Dubuque, Iowa, where, they both worked after World War II. They married on June 19, 1949. After their marriage she discontinued secular work to focus on her role as housewife and mother caring for her two sons.

Betty and her husband Bill lived in Dubuque, IA, for most of their married life, although during their later years they wintered near Immokalee, FL. They also lived for some 16 years in Thibodeaux, LA, where Betty became known as an excellent cook. The many friends she and her husband had were always welcome to enjoy her meals which she took pleasure in preparing.

A turning point came in her life when she studied the Bible and became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1972. She was a member of the Moline, IL Congregation when she died, and was known for her spiritual outlook on life and as a devoted reader of the Bible for 50 years.

A service for family and friends will be held via Zoom given by James Martinolich of Schriever, LA.