Spies, Bettie Leola (Mrs. Leslie Merrill) 1933-2021

SPIES, IRISH, ERICKSON

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:35

Bettie Spies Obituary

Source Rock Valley Bee of Jan 6, 2021

Hudson, South Dakota - Bettie Leola Spies ("Bettie Lee"), 86, of rural Hudson, SD/Rock Valley, IA, rejoined her loving husband in heaven Monday, December 21, 2020. She departed her earthy journey from the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD after an acute exacerbation of lengthy chronic illnesses.

She was born December 30, 1933, in Owego, IA, to Harry (Sammy) and Claudia (Irish) Ericksen. Bettie graduated from Holly Springs High School in 1951 and briefly attended Morningside College to become a nurse. She married the love of her life, Leslie Merrill Spies on February 17, 1952. They spent the next 68 years, 1 month, and 4 earthly days together before his passing March 21, 2020 and will now enjoy eternity together.

Preceding her in death are her parents Harry and Claudia Ericksen, parents in law Fred and Mary Spies, husband Les, brothers Theodore (Ted) and Billy Ericksen.

Survivors include their son Wayne Spies, his wife Nancy and their children: Dylan; Jonathan and his wife Alexis and their son August; and Claryn Spies. Daughter Dianna Spies Sorenson, and her children Taylor Sorenson and his wife Stephanie, Eileen and her husband Calen Schumacher and their daughters Ona and Hannah; Kathryn and her husband Michael Bjelland; Sarah Sorenson; and Kristina and her fiancé Demir Alic. Other surviving family members include sister in law Bunny (Ted) Ericksen and Bettie's nieces and nephews Tim (Daive), Kristi, Angie (Mark), and Steve (Cori) and all their children. Bettie leaves behind many endeared extended family members, a plethora of friends and her cherished canine companion Tucker.

Due to our respect for others, there are no public services. Bettie was interned at the Willow Township Cemetery near Holly Springs, IA. A combined Memorial Celebration will be held for Les and Bettie at a future date.