Esther M. Betts

Esther May, daughter of Ross T. and Mary E. (Sauvago) Smith, was born February 14, 1921, at home in Guthrie County, Iowa. Esther attended rural school in Union Township near her home and then graduated from Guthrie Center High School. Esther was a farm girl, helping with chores at home and helping relatives and neighbors with housekeeping. She worked at a grocery store in Guthrie Center for a time. On September 10, 1939, Esther was united in marriage with Donald C. Betts at the Methodist parsonage in Guthrie Center. Two children were born to this union. Don entered the United States Navy in April of 1944 and Esther kept the home fires burning. They continued farming in Guthrie County on rented farms before moving to the Betts' family farm in 1947. Her husband also worked for the Soil Conservation Service from 1947 until 1978 in various counties while they lived in Atlantic and Audubon. In 1978 they moved back to the family farm south of Coon Rapids to enjoy their retirement. Esther enjoyed gardening, caring for flowers and fruit trees and embroidering. She gladly babysat for her own family and neighbors.they all called her Grandma'. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Bayard/Wichita and the American Legion Auxiliary where she served as president for 15 years. She and Don enjoyed trips when he served as Lions Club District Governor, including Hawaii, Taiwan and Canada. When Don's health began to fail, Esther cared for him at home. Due to her failing health, they both moved to the Thomas Rest Haven Nursing Home in 2004. Esther moved back home' to live alternately with her son and daughter for a year before moving to The New Homestead in Guthrie Center in July of 2013. Esther died there on Thursday, December 5, 2013, at the age of 92 years, 9 months and 21 days. Preceding her in death are her parents; husband Don Betts in 2007; sisters Ruth Betts (Floyd); Gladys Schade (Jerry) and Opal Penry; and brother Sam K. Smith. Esther is survived by her son Dennis Betts and wife Joyce and daughter Judy and husband Lyle McClellan, all of Coon Rapids; six grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; sister Marlene Wall of Indianola; sisters-in-law Ayleen Smith, Betty Betts, Elaine Betts, Freda Luckinbill and Karen Betts; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Officiants Rev. Charlene Wolfe Rev. Robert Rogers Music "On Eagles Wings" "In The Garden" Congregation "Wind Beneath My Wings" "Till The End Of Time" Recorded Music Lula Garnes, Organist Casket Bearers - Grandchildren Brenda (Rod) Derry CSM Curtis (Marci) McClellan Tracey (Brad) Pierson Deanna (Erick) Van Cura Brent (Nicole) Betts Terry (Kim) Betts Honorary Casket Bearers Great Grandchildren: Justin (Shaunna) Derry Katie (Randy) Andrews Ryan Derry Jennifer (Nick) Yetmar Mark Malm Elizabeth (Matthew) Wehrle Rebecca Van Cura Derek (Beth) Betts Dylan, Alaya, Peyton & Mason Betts Bryce & Braydon Betts Great Great Grandchildren: Martin & Samuel Derry Grace Andrews Interment Orange Township Cemetery near Coon Rapids, Iowa The family invites you to join them for lunch and fellowship at the church following the committal service.