Betsy E. Knauss, 76, of Logan, died on Jan. 16, 2024, after seven years battling dementia. A prayer service is set for March 8, 6-8pm. A Celebration of Life is set for Sat, March 9 at 10:30am, at Cutler-O’Neill-Meyer-Woodring Funeral Home 545 Willow Ave., Co Bluffs, IA. A luncheon following.
Betsy was born to Fred and Eva Salyers May 27, 1947, in Tilden, Neb. She grew up on a farm near Tilden, enjoyed helping her Dad (chores and hunting and target practicing) and her Mom (gardening). She loved riding horses, outdoor activities.
Her family attended Tilden Methodist church. She and her sisters attended a one-room country school until it closed; then school in town until graduation in 1965. After high school, she worked in Neligh, Neb., as a waitress at Hill Top Café and Bowling Alley. Later she moved to Norfolk to attend Nebraska Christian College. While there she accepted God’s free gift of Salvation and was baptized. After three semesters she moved to Sioux Falls, S.D. and worked in nursing homes. Then back to Norfolk, receiving an LPN degree at the Jr College, and later worked at Norfolk Lutheran Hospital.
On Jan. 12, 1975, she met her future husband, Neil Knauss. They wed Sept. 27, 1975, and were married nearly 47 years, living near Logan and Woodbine. They raised three children; Jennifer, Rebecca and Benjamin. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and enjoyed family time!
Betsy loved helping with church activities, especially teaching Sunday School or Vacation Bible School! She went to ladies’ events, retreats and Bible studies. Her love for Jesus was so evident! She loved to sing praises in church, lifting her hands in praise to Him! She also gave Neil a lot of encouragement with his water softener business. Betsy loved riding horses, going on trail rides, and painting (her favorite painting is of a horse which still adorns their living room wall). She loved gardening, canning, baking and was a wonderful cook. She enjoyed having family and friends over for meals. She loved traveling with Neil or her family by motorcycle or car. Her favorite local event was Apple Fest and she has a collection of apples!
Betsy is remembered for her compassion, kindness, love, resilience and much more! Her genuine kindness and unconditional love touched all she met. Most of all, she will be remembered for her great love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in Whose presence she now resides.
Betsy is survived by husband, Neil Knauss; sisters, Sharon Harvey and Linda (Minarik) Carmen; sisters-in-law, Hazel Mohn and Helen Knauss; brothers-in-law, Rick Carmen, Merrill Mohn and Dale Knauss; children, Jennifer (Chris) Fester, Rebecca (Phil) Anderson and Ben (Mary) Knauss; nine grandchildren, Michael, Johnathan, Annalise and Lydia Fester, Caden Cox, Wade, Grace and Joy Anderson, and Elliana Knauss; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Betsy is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Eva Salyers; parents-in-law, Ernest and Helen Knauss; sister, Shirley Salyers; brothers-in-law, Ken Minarik and Gene Harvey; niece, Cindy Harvey; and nephews, Brian Yost and Scott Mohn.
Memorials can be sent to Her Health Women’s Center, 5732 Sunnybrook Dr., Sioux City, IA 51106.
