Betty Kay Smothers, daughter of Kenneth Carl Schirman and Gertrude Bailey Schirman, was born Nov. 1, 1936, in Perry, Iowa, and died Aug. 6, 2018, at the Dallas County Hospital in Perry, Iowa, at the age of 81 years, 9 months and 5 days.
Graveside services were held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15 at the Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry. Words of comfort were delivered by Chaplain Debbie Spidle of the St. Croix Hospice in Panora. Music was performed by Tracey Amano of the St. Croix Hospice, and musical selections were “Somewhere over the Rainbow,” “The Forgotten Song,” “Amazing Grace” and “Peace in the Valley.” Burial was at the Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry.
Betty grew up in Perry and graduated Perry High School in 1955.
In her young years, she enjoyed skating and worked summers detassling corn.
Betty met and married Phillip Wheeler Sr. They lived in Dayton, Ohio, where their children were born.
Betty returned to Perry, where she established her home and worked a short time as a bartender before starting her career as a resident treatment worker at the Woodward Resource Center. She retired in 1997.
Betty loved being with her family and especially enjoyed her grandchildren.
She liked going to the casino when she could.
Betty was married to Dennis Smothers for a short time.
Betty was preceded in death by parents; her sister, Beverly Hemphill; her daughter, Vonessa Myers; and many dear aunts and uncles.
Betty’s memory will be cherished by her children, Robin Pickell of Perry, Phillip (Irene) Wheeler Jr. of Des Moines, Teresa Wheeler of Perry, Kim Gates of Independence, Iowa, and Shawn Wheeler of Perry; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister, Carol (Gail) Laird of Perry, Iowa; brother, Robert (Marilyn) Schirman of Perry; aunt, Velma Bailey of Perry; nieces; nephews;, cousins; other relatives; and friends.
Memorials may be sent in Betty’s name to Hastings Funeral Home, P.O. Box 204, Perry, IA 50220.
