Betty J. Nixon

Betty Nixon, 89, of Afton died Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, at EveryStep Greater Regional Hospice House in Creston. Celebration of life service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, at Powers Funeral Home in Afton. Rev. Jim Morris will officiate the service. Social distancing will be observed and masks are recommended. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Afton. Open visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Powers Funeral Home in Afton. Memorials may be given to Afton United Methodist Church. Online condolences can be given at www.powersfh.com.

Betty Jean (Arnold) Nixon, daughter of Thomas Alvin Arnold and Gladys Elvira (Smith) Arnold was born Nov. 25, 1930, in Red Bluff, California. She lived in California, until she was two and then moved to a farm in rural Arispe. She was educated at Afton High School and graduated in 1949.

On March 5, 1950, Betty was united in marriage to Gerald William Nixon in Afton. Betty was a farm wife helping Gerald around the farm until the 1980s when she started helping as a secretary at the United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church, both in Creston. She also helped at the Afton United Methodist Church, where she had her most recent membership. Betty was also a past member of the Eastern Star. Betty and Gerald enjoyed square dancing for many years. Betty loved the Iowa State Fair and camped every year at the fair until 2015.

Betty loved to travel and was able to travel with Gerald to Arizona, California, Yellowstone, South Dakota, as well as more recently with her kids to Folsom, California, Branson, Missouri, Nashville, Tennessee and many places in Iowa to watch grandkids’ and great-grandkids’ events. Betty was most happy when she was surrounded by her family.

Betty is survived by her children: Bob (Dina) Nixon of Woodburn, Dixie (Dan) Schomer of Ankeny and Barbara (Jack) McIntire of Afton; nine grandchildren: Scott (Kristie) Nixon of Afton, Amy (Steve) Lininger of Spring Hill, Tennessee, Jodi Nixon of Afton, Aaron (Amy) Schomer of Ankeny, Phil (Angie) Schomer of Ankeny, Jason Schomer of Ankeny, Shawn (Donna) Allen of Afton, Kevin (Katy) Allen of Winterset and Nick Allen of Arispe; great-grandchildren: Gabe, Grace and Gwen Nixon, Macy, Cass and Jack Lininger, David (Sami) Schomer, Katie, Kyle, Brianna Schomer, Nolan, Brendan, AnnaLee and Dillan Schomer, Hayden and Kinnick Schomer, Casey and Chase Allen, Addie and Griffin Allen; great-great grandson, Ace Schomer; one brother, Robert (Patsy) Arnold of Shannon City; brother-in-law, Vernon Nixon of Omaha; along with numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gerald, sister Lois Larson, brother Sandy Arnold, grandson Kirk Nixon and nephew Jimmy Arnold.