Betty Jeanne (Edwards) Ashby

Betty Jeanne Edwards Ashby was born August 6, 1925 in Grinnell, Iowa (Poweshiek County) to Benjamin F. and Norma Mintle Edwards. She was the oldest of seven children, spending her early childhood and elementary school days in Bremer, Iowa before moving to Grinnell. Betty graduated from Grinnell High School in 1943. During WW II Betty enrolled in the Cadet Nursing program, graduating from Washington University School of Nursing (St. Louis, MO) in 1947. She was immediately placed as Head Floor Nurse at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, working alongside classmates, but now in a supervisory position. 

Betty married her high school sweetheart, Alfred T. (Al) Ashby on Aug. 7, 1948. They first lived in Ames, Iowa while Al finished college and she continued her nursing responsibilities, working at Mary Greely Hospital. She was Head Nurse in the Surgical Medical Unit and also worked in the trauma unit.  Betty enjoyed the challenge of anticipating what procedures might be employed for incoming patients. Betty & Al moved to Newton, Iowa in 1951 where she worked on weekends and holidays as a registered nurse at Skiff Memorial (now MercyOne) Hospital until 1953, when she traded her nursing abilities to staying at home with her young family. However, Betty continued her interest in the nursing profession, taking classes and attending seminars; she maintained her RN certification for over 40 years. 

Betty and husband Al were part of a task force to form Hospice of Jasper Country. She also served various other groups as a volunteer, providing services for health organizations and children’s activities over the years. 

Betty was a member of the First United Methodist Church; she participated in countless committees, including the Administrative Board in several capacities, as well as being a devoted member of Women’s Circle. Betty taught 4th grade Sunday School and was an active contributor to the annual Church Bazaar. For many years she made homemade mince-meat for pies (with meat in it!) and jars would sell out before making it to the Church Bazaar display table. Betty was honored with the Lifetime Membership Pin for her years of dedication and service with the United Methodist Women.  Additionally, Betty was a member of the AO Chapter of P.E.O., a group she continued to enjoy for many years.

Betty loved learning, and traveled extensively with her husband, interested in foreign countries and visiting areas of the United States. One joy was to soak up the wonderful sun as for 22 years Betty & Al wintered in Case Grande, AZ. She was an excellent seamstress, not only sewing clothes for herself and her children, but even their dolls. She also sewed curtains, bedspreads, home furnishings, and clothing accessories.

Betty enjoyed reading, flower gardening, and golf. She rooted for Iowa State, going to their football games for over 38 years, including travel with friends to out of state games. She remained a loyal fan even after the travels ended. Betty enjoyed dancing, attended concerts and plays and participated in numerous bridge clubs. 

Sharing her life with Al was something Betty cherished; their 68 years of marriage continue to serve as a remarkable example to their family. Even though Al passed away in Sept. 2016, Betty’s courage and positive spirit gave her family yet another example of how to embrace Life. She was an outstanding wife and mother, confidante, friend, and shoulder for her family while providing the structure and security of a loving home. 

Betty is survived by their three children: Carol Whitmore-Brenza (Bill) of LaJolla, CA; Sally (Ed) Dunham of St. Joseph, MO; and Tom (Lynn) Ashby of Omaha, NE. Five grandchildren have fond memories of visiting Grandma, and were able to know her even as adults: Jeff Whitmore (San Diego, CA), Kelly Heaney (Phoenix, AZ), John Dunham (San Francisco, CA), Annie Ashby (Seattle, WA) and Ben (Timber) Ashby (Rochester, MN). Betty also enjoyed connecting with her great-granddaughter, Jade Whitmore (San Diego, CA). 

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Al Ashby; son-in-law Richard Whitmore; four brothers-in-law and 2 sisters-in-law, Margaret & Melvin Van Der Kamp, Harry Ashby, Mary Margaret & Robert Ashby, and Edward R. (Ed) Towers. 

A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 23, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Newton. The family will greet friends from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service and again after the service with a lunch at the church.  The Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the First United Methodist Church, Newton, Iowa (designation suggestions: Park Centre Worship Service, UMW women’s ministries, music ministries, radio broadcast ministry) or P.E.O., AO Chapter.

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