Betty Courtney

June 1, 1938 - September 13, 2023

Visitation: Family will greet visitors from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

Service: A Celebration of Betty’s Life will begin at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 19 at Canton United Methodist Church. 

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        Betty Courtney, age 85, died Wednesday, September 13, 2023 surrounded by her family at Sanford Canton-Inwood Hospital.  A Celebration of Betty’s Life will begin at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 19 at Canton United Methodist Church.  Family will greet visitors from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the church.  www.andersonandsonsfh.com

          Betty was born in Lyon County, IA on June 1, 1938 to Albertus and Maude (Largent) Scholten.  She moved to Canton at age three and graduated from Canton High School in 1956.  She married Gene Courtney on April 21, 1956.  The couple made their home in Canton where they raised their three children: Marj, Curtis, and Rhonda.

          Betty was a dedicated employee of Midwest Gas/Mid-American Energy for 32 years, retiring in 1995.  She has been a member of Canton United Methodist Church since 1939 where she participated in Circle, UMW, bible study, and teaching Sunday School.  She was also active in Love Inc. and Business and Professional Women.

          Betty was the rock of the family who often organized family gatherings and holidays.  Betty and Gene visited all but 3 states, mostly camping in their RV.  She liked boating, spending countless hours reading books while Gene fished.  She was also known to jump in the water to help teach her children and grandchildren to waterski.  In addition, she enjoyed sewing, crafts, and embroidery.

          Grateful for sharing her life are her husband of 67 years, Gene; daughters, Marj (Sherwyn) Ver Hey and Rhonda (Andy) Van Kekerix; son, Curt (Bev Larson); grandchildren, Jared (Danielle) Ver Hey, Cory (Stephanie) Ver Hey, Jim (Cassie) Van Kekerix, Jenny (Dave Hanson) Van Kekerix, and Joel Van Kekerix; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Scholten; sisters, Sharon Nelson and Nancy Gorham; along with numerous extended family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Elsie Scholten; and sisters Jane Cummings and Doris Hickson.

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  1. Nancy Feekes on September 14, 2023 said:

    Betty and I were semi-coworkers since she worked at Iowa Public Service and I worked next door at Northern States Power in Canton. I would take my afternoon break at NSP by going next door and having coffee with Stella Sundling and Betty. These were two wonderful women i was blessed to know in my early years of marriage. God bless each of her family with peace and beautiful memories❣️

  2. Ila Torkelson on September 14, 2023 said:

    OH I AM SO SORRY TO SEE THIS. LIVED JUST A BLOCK FROM THEM WHEN WE WERE KIDS. SHE WAS SUCH A SWEETHEART. MY SINCERE SYMPATHY TO ALL OF HER FAMILY.

  3. Randi Helder on September 15, 2023 said:

    Marj and family, I was so sorry to hear this news. your mom was already so kind and had a sweet smile. hugs and prayers.

  4. Judy G DeVos on September 15, 2023 said:

    Rhonda, so sorry to hear about your mother. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  5. Madonna Putnam on September 15, 2023 said:

    I’m sorry to learn of Betty’s passing. it is never easy to say goodbye. May you all find peace as you hold your memories near.

  6. Francis McEntee on September 15, 2023 said:

    so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all. Mac And Carol.

  7. Tracy Montgomery on September 15, 2023 said:

    So sorry for your loss. Betty was one of the first people I met when I moved to Canton and she made me feel welcome. Many fond memories of coffee with her at the office.

  8. Sue Edwardson on September 17, 2023 said:

    Marj and family— my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family…I remember when we worked at the dental office, we ate many noon lunches in your parent’s basement….hang onto those memories!

  9. Mona Gardner on September 18, 2023 said:

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. She will greatly be missed by many. She was a wonderful woman. R.I.P. Betty.

  10. Kathy Keiser on September 24, 2023 said:

    A great lovely person–so friendly always. RIP!! Condolences to the family

  11. Dan Bunkers on September 26, 2023 said:

    My condolences to Rhonda, Curt, and Margie. Years have passed since being in Canton, but your mom’s smile and gentle heart stands out in my memory. May her memory always being warmth and smiles to you and your families.