Betty J. Honz, 82

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Betty (Elizabeth) Jean Honz, age 82, loving mother of five and adoring wife to husband Wayne Honz, passed away peacefully Dec. 18, 2022, surrounded by loved ones after a brave battle with brain cancer.

Betty was born on Nov. 7, 1940, to Arthur and Thelma (Wellman) Christiansen at their home near Minden. She grew up on the family farm with her six siblings attending country school from kindergarten to 4th grade. She attended Neola Public Schools from 5th to 8th grade. Betty graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic High School in Neola. She loved playing basketball in high school and was active in 4-H. She graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Betty worked as a Registered Nurse for 42 years serving many families in the region.

Betty married Wayne William Honz on May 16, 1964, at the St. Patrick Church in Neola. They lived in Missouri Valley raising their five children for the past 52 years. Betty devoted her life to her Catholic faith, family and friends. She served on the parish council and many committees over the years at the St. Patrick Church in Missouri Valley. She was blessed to have close friends and neighbors over the years sharing scripture reflection, having lunches, playing cards and board games. She loved gardening, especially flowers, and spent hours with Wayne caring for all their plants on summer evenings. She loved watching her children and grandchildren participate in sports, band and school musicals. Betty enjoyed her many nieces and nephews and watching their families grow. She was a loving, devoted wife and mother each day to her family. Time is God’s precious gift that has run out, but we’re happy knowing the angels have gotten her back. We will dearly miss such a wonderful woman and beautiful mother.

Betty is survived by her husband, Wayne; children, Christine (Bernell) Wood, Karen (Russ) Manternach, Tom (Kristin) Honz, Roger (Shannon) Honz and Kathleen Collins; 12 grandchildren; brothers, Larry Christiansen and Phillip (Nellie) Christiansen; sister-in-law, Doris Jensen; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Thelma Christiansen; siblings, Bonnie (Gary) Boughton, Bob (Betty Jane) Christiansen, Bill (Cora) Christiansen, Ron (Paula) Christiansen; in-laws, Don and Rita Honz, Edward and Dorothy Honz, Dennis (Peggy) Honz, Rita (Kenny) Schneckloth and Sister Agnes Honz, O.S.M.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Missouri Valley. Father Larry Hoffmann presided over the service assisted by Father Wayne Gubbels, Father Raphael Masabakhwa and Deacon Mike Carney. The musicians were Lyle Waterhouse, Elizabeth Dillinger and Sharon Buss. The congregational hymns were “Be Not Afraid”, “Morning Has Broken”, “I Am the Bread of Life”, “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman”, “Song of Farewell” and “Only A Shadow”. The pallbearers were David Kudlacek, Cole Manternach, Calvin Collins, Jacob Honz, Jim Honz, Dave Honz, Bob Honz and Marty Jensen. Nursing honors were presented by the Mercy Honor Guard. Betty’s final resting place is at the Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of the arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com