Obituaries : Betty Lou Stern

Betty Lou Stern, after 90 years, was called home by her Savior on August 20, 2025.

Betty was born August 16, 1935, in Corydon, Iowa to Alva and Jennie Myers. She was blessed with six children: Marian (Jack) Cowels of San Diego, CA, Patricia (Mike) Nieland of Belle Plaine, Barbara (Jack) Griffith of Cedar Rapids, Daniel Bussey of Belle Plaine, Merlin (Julie) Ealy of Belle Plaine, and Theresa Axler of Newton; 14 grandchildren: John (Karen) Reynolds, Tamara (Tom) Wanless, Melissa (Michel) Vis, Tony Nieland, Mark Nieland, Rachel (Darric) McLeod, Melinda Crane, Darcy Griffith, Garrett (Kasey) Landuyt, Mallory (Josh) Francis, Jessica (Thomas) Kacena, Jennifer Ealy (Ryan), Kyle (Angel) Ealy, Paige Axler; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. She loved fiercely and will be fiercely missed.

Betty lived most of her years in Belle Plaine. In her life, she enjoyed selling Avon - or shall we say visiting with her "customers" and making President's Club, sewing and quilting, working in her yard, playing cards, and spending time with her ever-growing family. Betty was the happiest when she had dirty hands and paint on her clothes. She had a love for animals, especially her Chihuahua's. Betty spent her early years babysitting, later retiring as janitor from Benco Mfg. - while still keeping active at other various cleaning jobs and the occasional waving of the sign on the Pizza Hut corner. Betty was active in her faith, attending Sunday services, reading her Bible, and listening to her favorite hymns, like In the Garden.

She was preceded in death by her husband's Dewey Bussey, Merlin Ealy Sr., Michael Stern and her brother, Eugene Myers.

The family would like to thank the incredible staff at both Birkwood Village in Toledo and Iowa River Hospice of Marshalltown for their care of Betty as she lived out her last years.

Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 25, 2025 at Faith In Christ Church, Belle Plaine with Pastor Charles Johnson officiating. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine with luncheon to follow at Franklin Park, Belle Plaine.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Sunday, August 24, 2025 at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences can be sent to www.neuhausfuneralservice.com