Betty Anne (McMillan) WILLEMSSEN

MCMILLAN, WILLEMSSEN, MCKEOWN, ELY, FULLER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/6/2014 at 22:57:35

November 7, 1920 --- June 5, 2014

Betty Anne (McMillan) Willemssen, age 93, longtime resident of Clarion, Iowa, entered eternal life June 5, 2014, following a recent fall. She had been a resident of the Council Bluffs/Omaha area since 2008. Betty spent her childhood in Estherville and on the shores of Spirit Lake. She attended Stephens College and was a graduate of Estherville High School (1938) and Iowa State University (1943). She taught high school home economics and later was a substitute teacher. After marrying Raymond M. Willemssen of Rock Rapids in 1946, Betty supported his lifelong career with the Rural Electrification Administration. This included 30 years as general manager of the REC in Clarion. She created a home that nurtured their two children and welcomed friends.

Betty was a devoted lifelong Methodist and a 72-year member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood (Chapter FS). Betty lived her faith daily, and her grace was never eclipsed by the Alzheimer's disease that darkened her final decade of life.

Betty is survived by her son, Mac (Judy) Willemssen, Chaska, MN; daughter, Anne (Kim) McKeown, Council Bluffs, IA; twin granddaughters, Jessica Willemssen, Chaska, MN, and Amanda (Alex) Ely, Omaha, NE. Betty was preceded in death by Ray, her husband of 47 years; her parents, Dr. Harold L. and Alma M. McMillan; brother, Dr. Mac H. McMillan; and cousin/adopted sister, Dorothea Fuller.

Cremation has taken place, and a family graveside service will be held later at Riverview Cemetery, Rock Rapids, IA. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church, 201 Third Ave NE, Clarion, IA 50525.

Des Moines Register - Iowa
June 7, 2014