Betty Mentzer, age 88 of Nemaha, IA, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2020, at Park View Rehabilitation Center in Sac City, IA.
Betty Jean McKay was born on July 23, 1932, to parents Forest and Agnes (Rosenkjar) McKay in Ida Grove, IA. She grew up in Ida Grove where she graduated from Ida Grove High School and was the Salutatorian of her class. On one of her many outings to the Ida Grove Skating Rink, Betty met and started dating Howard.
On February 17, 1952, Betty and Howard were united in marriage. They were blessed with five children: Keith, Wayne, Karen, Daniel, and Matthew. After a brief time in Germany, they raised their family on a farm between Odebolt and Early where Betty was a farm wife and homemaker. Betty helped out whenever and however needed on the farm whether it was with morning and evening chores, baling hay or providing meals to large crews. She was a fantastic cook and was great at baking and canning. Much of the food was from the farm and large gardens which Betty tended. Nobody ever went hungry when she cooked a meal. Even area salesmen knew to stop by the farm at lunchtime…everyone was welcome!
Betty was very active in her church and taught Sunday school for many years. Later in life, she took up chip carving and made many beautiful things. She was a kind, warm and loving wife, mother, and grandmother who loved her family above all. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 68 years, Howard Mentzer of Sac City, IA; children: Keith (Kathy) Mentzer of Early, IA, Karen (Wayne) Werner of Schaller, IA, Daniel Mentzer of Iowa City, IA; Matthew (Katherine) Mentzer of Eldridge, IA; grandchildren: Curtis (Kelly Burke) Mentzer, Kristina (Bradley) Spence, Michael Mentzer, Michael (Angie) Mentzer, Michelle (Jeff) Johnstone, Stephannie (Aaron) Culbert, Trenton (Diana) Werner, Clayton (Ying) Werner, Ryan Mentzer, Sophia Mentzer; great-grandchildren: Isaia and Mariana Martinez, Maddox Spence, Colton and Caden Mentzer, Lucas Smith, Aubrey and Sydney Johnstone, Logan and Kyra Gibbins, Allen Brenner, Daynia and Tristan Werner; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Betty was preceded in death by her son Wayne Everett Mentzer; parents Forest and Agnes McKay; brothers Bob and Bruce McKay; sisters Donna Hudgel and Beverly Dwyer; Howard’s parents and siblings.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Kindred Hopice - 831 N Griffith Rd, Carroll, IA, the United Methodist Church in Nemaha, IA or Park View Rehabilitation Center in Sac City, IA.