Obituaries : Dorothy Bess (Ratner) Beatty

Dorothy Bess (Ratner) Beatty, Cedar Rapids (formerly of Shellsburg), passed away peacefully at her home on December 3, 2023.

A Celebration of Dorothy's life will be held from 1:00 until 4:00 PM, Sunday, March 24, 2024 at Wildcat Golf Course in Shellsburg.

Dorothy was born June 1, 1929, in Oak Park, IL. Her parents were Fannie (Ralston) and Alexander Ratner. She had an older brother, Robert.

As a young child, Dorothy and her family moved to Cedar Rapids. Following graduation from McKinley High School, she attended Northern Iowa Teachers College (now University of Northern Iowa) and earned her teaching degree.

Dorothy and her best friend Delores moved to Shellsburg, and Dorothy taught third grade for a few years. On November 17, 1951, Dorothy married Boyd Beatty, and they moved to Los Angeles, CA where Boyd completed his college degree and they started their family.

In 1953, Dorothy, her husband Boyd, and their two children returned from California to Shellsburg. Over the next several years, their family expanded to five children. Dorothy adapted to farm life, and for 40 years she successfully juggled raising five children, working on the farm, preparing excellent meals for her family and farm hands, and substitute teaching. She was an excellent cook, baker, and seamstress, and she had the patience of Job.

In 1992, Dorothy and Boyd retired and moved to Cedar Rapids. Dorothy continued as a member of Sweet Adelines, an organization that fed her passion for music and friendship. Originally a member of the Sweet Adelines Vinton chapter, she stepped down from the Iowa City chapter after over 60 years as a Sweet Adeliner.

Dorothy's greatest pleasure was spending time with her family and her friends. She and Boyd spent many winters in Mesa, AZ.

Boyd and Dorothy raised five children: Jan (Wayne) Christiansen, Grinnell; Paul, Shellsburg; Scott, Shellsburg; Jane (Gene Prokuski), Wheaton, IL; Jean (Roy) Fish, Shellsburg. They have 6 grandchildren: Laurie (Christiansen) and Dan Snazelle, Woodhaven, NY; Tina (Christiansen) and Bill Mabuce, W. Des Moines, IA; Kyle Beatty; Kurtis Beatty; Scottie (Kelsey) Fish; Sara Fish, all of Shellsburg. They have eight great grandchildren: Ben, Ringo, Holden, Adam, Ryan, Korbin, Carver and Ava.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Boyd, her parents, and her brother, Robert.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Share Food Pantry of Shellsburg.

Online condolences may be left at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com