Betty V. Harms

Betty V. Harms, 90, of Clear Lake, formerly of Hanlontown, Iowa, died Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa.

A funeral service for Betty was held on Monday, March 3, 2014 at Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly, Iowa, with the Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating.   Burial will be held at a later date in the Brush Point Cemetery, rural Hanlontown.

Should friends desire, memorials may be left to the Fertile Church of Christ, 3493 Eagle Ave., Fertile, Iowa,   

50434.

Betty Virginia Harms, daughter of the late Emery and Florence Stonebraker Kinsel, was born Feb. 18, 1924 in Hampton, Iowa.  She received her education in the Hampton School System and was united in marriage to Stenus Harms Jr.  She was a homemaker all of her life, raising her seven children.  

She enjoyed pets, gardening, and was an excellent embroiderer.  She loved watching all different kinds of sports, her favorites being the Iowa Hawkeyes, Iowa State Cyclones and the Michigan teams.

Betty’s passion for music was endless, and she wanted everyone to have a song in their heart to lift their spirits.  She loved the Big Band era; her favorite musicians were Glen Miller, Guy Lombardo and Lawrence Welk, who also had her favorite television show.  

She enjoyed visiting with people, but her pride and joy was her family.  She was proud of her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage that she passed down to her children.  Betty overcame several adversities in her life, including many medical conditions; however, she never complained.  Betty had a quick wit and charm that instantly attracted friends.  

Betty was a religious person, believed in God, and treated people from all walks of life with respect and dignity.

She was fiercely independent, so it was difficult for her to allow someone to take care of her other than family.  However, she along with her family, appreciated all the care and attention the staff at the Oakwood Care Center provided her.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Robert, Ricky (SoUn), Randy (Robin), Judy (Doug), Gary (Mary); grandchildren, Rebecca, Alicia (David), Adam, Aaron, and Kevin; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Sophia, and Makenna; sister, June Reese; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stenus; sons, Mike and Stephen; brothers, Joseph, Orville, and Ellsworth; and her sisters, Ruth, Dorothy, and Allie Mae.

Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly, was in charge of arrangements.