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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23 messages have been left

  1. Gerry & Vickie Veenis on September 14, 2023 said:

    So very sorry for your loss. Betty was such a wonderful and personable women. She will be missed. You are all in our Prayers.

  2. 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❣️

    1. Marj VerHey on September 15, 2023 said:

      Thank you, Nancy for your kind words! I do remember when you worked next door to mom and Stella! She loved her job and the friendships she made.
      Our condolences also to you and your family with your loss of Leroy! Prayers for healing and comfort for you.

  3. 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.

    1. Marj on September 15, 2023 said:

      Thanks for your kind words, Ila!

  4. 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.

    1. Marj on September 15, 2023 said:

      Thank you so much, Randi! Appreciate your kind words!

  5. Nicholas Romereim on September 15, 2023 said:

    Marj and family, so sorry to hear about your moms passing. She was so nice to talk to and never failed to wave on her walks in the neighborhood. Hugs ands prayers to everyone

  6. Susan Talmadge on September 15, 2023 said:

    I had the privilege of meeting Betty and Doc, on several occasions, while camping and dune buggying, in the California desert, with Betty’s sister Sharon and hubs, Arnold! She was a Lovely lady and her passing is a huge loss for the family and friends! Prayers for everyone and may you rest in peace, dear Betty! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💓

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

    1. Marj on September 15, 2023 said:

      Thank you Madonna!

  9. Tamara Lynn Laxton on September 15, 2023 said:

    Such wonderful memories we have, I will cherish those forever. Betty, you will be missed by all of us. What a blessing you have been, and I couldn’t imagine growing up without you in our family. Sending all our love and prayers to everyone.

  10. Francis McEntee on September 15, 2023 said:

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

    1. Marj on September 19, 2023 said:

      Thank you!

  11. 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.

    1. Marj on September 15, 2023 said:

      Thank you Tracy!

  12. 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!

    1. Marj on September 19, 2023 said:

      Thank you, Sue! I remember that also! Also going in the ditch with their car!! Appreciate your kind words!

  13. 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.

    1. Marj on September 19, 2023 said:

      Thank you for the kind words, Mona!

  14. Kathy Keiser on September 24, 2023 said:

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

  15. 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.