Bettie L. Bennett

Bettie Lee (Worley) Bennett was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and child of God. She was born in Unionville, Missouri and later lived in Algona, West Des Moines, and Ankeny, Iowa. A proud member of The Greatest Generation, she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Bennett during World War II. The two were married upon Bob’s return from the Navy in 1946. During and following the war, Bettie worked as a phone operator at Northwestern Bell, later known as AT&T.

By 1953, Bettie and Bob had welcomed their beloved children, Bruce, Ed, and Debbie Kae. Together, their family valued their faith, serving their community, spending time together, and enjoying family vacations. Bettie was a longtime caretaker for Bob. She championed him in his athletic endeavors in various Paralympic events, always proudly supporting him and happy to be by his side.

When she was not actively supporting her family, Bettie could often be found at the sewing machine, card table, or contentedly reading in her chair. An avid quilter, she made beautiful quilts throughout her life, gifting most of them to beloved family and friends. Her quilts were known for their beautiful patterns and attention to detail. In addition, Bettie and Bob enjoyed playing cribbage together, and Bettie enjoyed teaching the game to family members of younger generations.

Bettie, “GG” as she was known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, will be remembered for her tenacity, independence, gentle sense of humor, and her love of fresh strawberries. Her selflessness and care for others has and will continue to be honored by her family and friends.

Bettie is survived by her sons, Bruce (Debra) Bennett and Ed Bennett; son-in-law, Randy Wuerzberger; grandchildren, Mark (Anne) Bennett, Elizabeth (Jim) Moran, Blair (Britt) Schlicher, John Bennett; Ericka Sample; and great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Olivia, and Andrew Bennett, Virginia “Ginny” and Annabelle Moran, Jaci Wuerzberger, and Curtis “CJ” Sample.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Bennett; daughter, Debbie Kae Wuerzberger; daughter-in-law, Janell Bennett; granddaughter, Allison Wuerzberger; parents, Leta and Lee Worley; brother, James Worley; sisters, Dorothy Anderson, Donna Ellison, and Lucille Baldwin.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Camp Okoboji or Trinity Lutheran Church.