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Elizabeth J. 'Betty' Hand
ELIZABETH J. "BETTY" HAND
Cedar Rapids
Elizabeth J. "Betty" Hand, 72, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids.
Betty was born on April 24, 1946, at the People's Memorial Hospital in Independence, Iowa, the daughter of Vernon J. and Catherine (Toomey) Nelson. She attended Hazelton schools and was a 1964 graduate of Oelwein High School, Oelwein. On Sept. 4, 1965, she married the love of her life, Dale R. Hand, at St. John's Catholic Church in Independence, Iowa. They made their home in Independence, Iowa, until they moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1970. Betty had many jobs throughout her life, where she developed many meaningful friendships.
She enjoyed spending time on the phone, writing letters and sending cards to keep in touch with her friends. She cherished spending time with those who were close to her and loved watching and taking care of her grandchildren.
Betty is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dale R. Hand, Cedar Rapids; a son, Jeffrey (Susan) Hand, Hiawatha; a daughter-in-law, Barbara Hand, Alburnett; three grandchildren, Matthew and Nicholas Hand, Hiawatha and Mikayla Hand, Alburnett; a sister, Barb Duwa, Independence; two brothers-in-law, David (Karyl) Hand, Independence and LeRoy (Andrea) Hand, Oelwein; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Catherine Nelson; and a son, Michael Hand.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, at the Reiff Family Center-Funeral Home in Independence, Iowa, with the Rev. Jeff Dole presiding. Burial will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to services on Saturday at the Reiff Family Center-Funeral Home in Independence.
Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Dr., Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202, or Heartland Kidney Network, 920 Main St., Suite 801, Kansas City, MO 64105
To leave an online condolence, please go to www.reifffamilycenter.com under obituaries.
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