Bettie Beeler, 103, of Grinnell, died on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with Pastor Eric Schubert officiating. The family will receive friends at the visitation held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell.

Memorials may be designated to PALS (Poweshiek Animal League Shelter) and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared online with Bettie's family at www.smithfh.com.

Bettie Jayne was born on June 13 1921 in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Clifford Eugene Snyder and Genevieve (Kershner) Snyder. She was raised in Marshalltown and graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1939.

On October 5, 1939, Bettie married Lyle William Beeler in Unionville, Missouri. Their loving marriage was blessed with three sons: Terry, Bill, and Duane. The couple lived with Lyle's parents on their farm near Grinnell until 1946. Bettie worked at Stewart Library from 1955 to 1967. Bettie and Lyle moved to Waterloo in 1967 where Bettie where Bettie worked at Waterloo Savings Bank until 1974 at which time they moved back to Grinnell. Bettie was then employed with the Poweshiek County National Bank, which later became Brenton Bank and now Wells Fargo. She dedicated herself to her work there until her retirement in 1986, a testament to her unwavering work ethic and commitment. Even after retirement, she continued to work part time at the bank whenever they needed her until 2005.

Bettie and Lyle were members of the Grinnell United Methodist Church, where they nurtured their faith and built lasting friendships. Lyle and Bettie loved to go dancing, especially enjoyed square dancing. Bettie had a passion for cooking and baking, especially her cherished sugar cookies, and she delighted in preparing afternoon snacks for her grandchildren. Her presence at her grandchildren's school and sports activities was a constant; she rarely missed an event, showing her boundless support and love.

Known for her ornery and fearless spirit, Bettie was a sweet yet strong woman who always put family first. She adored children and found joy in holding babies, embodying a nurturing and compassionate heart. Bettie was crafty and creative, loved feeding squirrels and watching them from her window, and remained independent, driving until she was 90 years old. She took pride in her appearance, always dressed impeccably and having her hair done weekly. Bettie and Lyle shared a love for travel, especially their trips to California and Montana, creating memories that they cherished deeply.

Bettie is survived by her son, Duane (Diane) Beeler of Grinnell; grandchildren, Brent Bailey of Alabama, Roger Beeler of Texas, Danny (Shawna) Beeler of Newton, IA, Todd Beeler of Centerville, IA, Rob Beeler of State Center, IA, Rodney Beeler (Michelle Lewis) of Florida, Andrea Beeler (Randy Temple) of Colfax, IA, Kim (Ryan) Youngdale of Clive, IA, and Troy (Ashley) Beeler of Cedar Rapids, IA; 21 great grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; 1 niece Lana Sanders of Bismarck, ND. Preceding her in death was her parents; husband, Lyle Beeler in 2000; son, Terry Beeler in 2019; son, William Beeler in 2022; daughters-in-law, Charlotte (Tone) Beeler in 2023 and Ruth Beeler; her siblings, Eugene Snyder, Ione Basch, Doris Pogreba, Lois Olmsted, and Dorothy Mathison; and her best friends Arlene Davenport in 2020 and Betty Davis in 2023.