Hotz, Elizabeth 'Betty'

Elizabeth “Betty” Hotz, 80, of Lone Tree, passed away Thursday, Sept. 22, 201,1 at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 26, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lone Tree. Father Bill Kneemiller and Carol Kaalberg, Parish Life administrator, will officiate. Burial will be in the Lone Tree Cemetery. Casket bearers will be nephews Randy Gronewold, Mark Gronewold, Rich VeDepo, Dave Potter, Tom Pederson, Jim VeDepo, and Mike Myers. Following committal services at the cemetery, a time of food and fellowship will be held at the Lone Tree American Legion. Visitation for Betty will be held Sunday, Sept. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m., with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service and a time of sharing at Sorden-Lewis Home for Funeral and Cremation Services in Lone Tree.

Elizabeth Ann VeDepo was born Feb. 9, 1931, in West Branch, Iowa, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Benz) VeDepo. Betty attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls and taught country school in the West Branch area. On May 14, 1952, Betty was united in marriage to Floyd Edwin Hotz, the love of her life for over 50 years.

Betty was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and Altar and Rosary in Lone Tree. She was also a member of Farm Bureau, Hills Bank Friends Club, several bridge clubs, a past member of TTT, and a former 4-H leader.

Betty was a dedicated wife and mother, attending many school and community activities, especially those of her grandchildren. She had an incredible zest for life and strove to get the most out of every activity. She enjoyed dancing, playing cards, and traveling. She also relished in being surrounded by her family and friends, and hosted many guests who enjoyed her fantastic cooking. One of Betty's true passions was raising flowers, especially her day lilies.

Betty will be deeply missed by her son, Thomas Charles and wife Jane of Lone Tree; daughter, Terri Lynn Sheetz of Iowa City; grandchildren, Arin Olson and husband Eric of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Michael Hotz of Varna, Ill. Also surviving are brother, Leonard VeDepo of West Liberty; sister, Marilyn Jennings of Sun City West, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Floyd, on March 29, 2006; a daughter, Pamela Sue Hotz; brothers Raymond VeDepo, LuVerne VeDepo and William VeDepo; and sister, Beatrice Meade.

A memorial fund has been established at the funeral home in memory of Betty.

Sympathy notes may be left for the Hotz family at .

Published Sept. 24, 2011, in The Gazette