Betty J. Derby Obituary's Obituary
Betty Jean Derby, 74, of Centerville won her illness over bone cancer this past Sunday afternoon, Nov. 25, 2007, passing restfully into the hands of her Lord and Saviour. Born May 18, 1933, in Ottumwa to Leonard and Nellie Walker Harmon, she was born into a large family that included 11 siblings who all preceded her in death. Her formative years were spent in Ottumï¿wa, where later as an adult she was emï¿ployed throughout the 1950s at John Morrell Meat Packing Plant. Her tremendous work ethic and loyalty to those who would employ her throughout her life began at Morrell's. During these years, Betty was married and gave birth to her only son, Dann. Mother and son, whether as a family unit, or later building a life on their own, began a life of unconditional love that lasted for 52 years. Betty, ex-husband Jerry Derby and her son, Dann, moved from Ottumwa to Grinnell in 1970. In Grinnell, Betty was a regular at the country club where she enjoyed activities such as swimming, bowling, golfing and was a member of several club planning organizations. Betty also participated in Welcome Wagon as well as the Women's Jay-Cees. In 1972, the Derbys were transferred to Centerville with Iowa Southern Utilï¿ities. While in Centerï¿ville, Betty enjoyed mature modeling at local fashion shows and country club activities while entertaining her many friends at the family home on East State Street. Betty also would help her many business friends out during the holiday seasons by working part-time at businesses such as JCPenney, Kay's Country Cabin and Sinders clothing stores. During 1975, Betty once again relocated to Chariton with ex-husband Jerry. She again found pleasure in donating her time to the local country club, bowling and various civic organizations. Betty would make one more relocation, this time back to Centerville in early 1980. During the following years up to the present, Betty would often say that her son and his family 'were her life.' Betty enjoyed extended stays in South Dakota, Kansas, Des Moines and several other cities across the Midwest wherever her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren happened to be living. She was with the family when each of their grandchildren were born and was an integral part in Nicholas, Natasha and Damian's formative years. Betty's desire to learn and grow never waned as in middle-age she went back to college and received her nurses aid degree. Over these years she also found time to give considerable help and support to the local family business. Many locals looked forward to coming to the Blue Bird Family Restaurant to just talk with Betty or to enjoy one of her many homemade specials. In her later years Betty found immense worth and happiness being with her son and his family. One of the family members was in touch with Betty daily with the conversation always including 'Did the Cardï¿inals win and I love you.' Betty is survived by only her son, Dann, her daughter-in-law Bonnie and her three adoring grandchildren, Nicholas, Natasha and Damian. A memorial service will be held at a later date. The Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville is in charge of arrangements. Book Travel to Services To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Betty J. Derby Obituary please visit our Sympathy Store.
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