Betty Strauss

Betty Imogene Strauss was born Sept. 30, 1925, in Creston. She was the only child of Stanley Bud and Florence Violet (Johnson) Guthrie. Betty passed away Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, at The New Homestead in Guthrie Center.

Betty attended Franklin Elementary School in Creston, graduating from Creston High School and Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in Des Moines. After graduating, Betty worked as a surgical nurse supervisor at Greater Community Hospital in Creston.

Betty married her childhood sweetheart, William Sidney Strauss, on May 31, 1947, in Creston. To this union two children were born, Michael William Strauss and Nancy Suzanne Strauss. Betty’s working years were spent in Creston. In addition to her nursing, Betty and Bill owned and operated Crest Bootery Shoe Store and Coach ‘n Four Ready to Wear. Betty also taught a health occupations course at Southwestern Community College in Creston. She was an active leader in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and belonged to Ladies Literary Circle. Betty helped establish Creston Mental Health Center, was a trustee on Greater Community Hospital Board in Creston and was a nursing advisory committee member. Betty was also a caretaker for many family members.

Betty and Bill later moved to Lake Panorama. They enjoyed lake life, golfing, swimming, boating and spending time with family. Betty enjoyed cooking for and entertaining others. In retirement, Betty and Bill wintered in Arizona. As Betty’s health failed, she entered The New Homestead in Guthrie Center where Bill visited her on a daily basis. Eventually Bill made the decision to move to The New Homestead Assisted Living to be closer to Betty and they continued to enjoy their time together.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill; son Michael; brother- and sister-in-law Roy and Jean Slezak and brother-in-law Jim Hartsock.

Betty is survived by her daughter Nancy (Michael) Wells; grandsons, Lucas (Emily) Wells and their children, Brady and McKinley, Seth Wells and Joseph Wells; granddaughter Megan (Joel) Pettit; sister-in-law Linda Hartsock and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Panora. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial of her cremains will be 3:15 p.m. Saturday in Graceland Cemetery in Creston. Twigg Funeral Home, 219 E. Main, in Panora, is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.