Betty Jean Audlehelm, 89, of Ames passed away on Friday, March 22, 2019 at Northridge Village in Ames. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. with a service following immediately at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday March 30th at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa. Burial will take place at a later date.
Betty was born on January 24, 1930 in Leon, Iowa, the daughter of Russell and Lula (Henrichs) Watson. Betty graduated from Murray High School in 1948. On January 30, 1949, Betty married the love of her life, Don Audlehelm. The couple moved around central Iowa for several years while working various jobs before arriving in the Boone area in 1960. In 1970, Don and Betty settled in Napier and built their home of over 35 years. After moving to Napier, Betty became a longtime member of Napier Methodist Church. Betty spent much of her life taking care of others as a homemaker and as an in-home health caregiver with Homeward in the Ames area. Betty was very generous and was always ready to lend a helping hand. In her later years, Betty lived at The Rose of Ames before going to Northridge Village. Betty loved spending time with family and also enjoyed reading, bird watching and flowers
Betty is survived by her daughter Janie (Duane) Erpelding of Algona, IA, son Jeff Audlehelm of Nevada, IA, grandchildren Sarah Hogan of North Liberty, IA, Erin (Erik) Mack of Kalispell, Montana, Joe (Kellie Bradley) Hogan of Manson, IA, Katie Ruedas of Fort Dodge, IA, Emily Hogan of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ryan Audlehelm, Adam Audlehelm and Chloe Schroeder, all of Carroll, IA, great-grandchildren Grace Mack of Kalispell, Ava Messerly, Nora Hogan and Jamie Hogan all of Manson and Citlalli Ruedas of Fort Dodge.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Lula Watson, brother Robert Watson, sister Carolyn Eggers, husband Don Audlehelm, son Denny Audlehelm, daughter Debbie Harper, grandchildren Amanda Harper, Jennifer Harper, Elizabeth Hogan and Andrew Hogan.
Betty was a very kind, loving and caring woman and was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother who will be deeply missed by her family.
Memorials may be directed to the discretion of the family.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremation.com
I am so sorry to hear of Betty's death. Betty and Don were like second parents to me growing up and I dearly loved both of them. My deepest sympathies to Jane and the family.
I’m so sorry. I just heard of Betty’s death. We were close when was in Napier. She was such a good and gentle woman. I’m sorry I didn’t keep as close touch with her as I should have these past years. My prayers go out to Jeff and Janie.
Beth Judge.
I'm going to miss Betty, her sweet smile and her friendship. We have gotten to know each other more the last couple years while she was at Northridge. I always left there feeling that she had made me feel better, while in fact, I had gone there to cheer her up. She was such a positive person and a joy to know.
My mom, Mary Tweedt, lived at The Rose only a few doors down the hall from Betty for a number of years. I got to know Betty when I would come to visit mom from Omaha. She was a dear lady and a special friend to my mom. My deepest sympathy to your family. Deanna Dahlkoetter, Omaha, NE
Betty was a neighbor at The Rose of Ames to my mom, Mary Tweedt, who passed away a few years ago. She was so loving and always had a smile on her face. I'm glad we got to get to know her. She also was neighbors to my in-law family in the Boone area. Tammy Blakeley
I am so sorry for your loss.
Betty was a one in a million loving , caring, generous and beautiful lady. I met her and husband Don at Napier Methodist Church between 25 to 30 years ago.
Turned out I had seen them around town and at the Moose lodge on nights when there was a dance. They danced as one and definitely could tell they cherished one another.
One time at a Napier fall dinner was visiting and found out that Betty was related distantly. She grew up in the Leon area where my great grandparents had lived. Turned out she was a relative of my great grandmother Hattie Belle (Dickinson) Offield. A cousin to my grandfather Hattie's son. My mom happened to be at the dinner and we had s wonderful visit. After that Betty and I started calling each other cousin.
I have kept her in my thoughts and prayers always wishing her well and happy. I am so grateful for the special friendship I had with Betty and Don. Have missed seeing them both over the years.
Rest in peace Betty.
I have so many great memories of Betty! She was always so welcoming when I lived in Ames. We talked every year on the phone and saw each other from time to time. I will miss her.
Visitation
Ames, IA 50010
Service
Ames, IA 50010
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