Irvine, Betty J.

Betty J. Irvine, 88, formerly of Newton, died Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, at the Lone Tree Health Care Center. Memorial services: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton, with visitation with the family one hour before services.

 Those left to honor Betty's memory include her sons, Stephen (Madelyn) of Marshalltown, Michael (Joan) of Silver Spring, Md., and Russell (Sandi) of Riverside; her seven grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard Lamb of Colfax; and her many friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a grandson, John on Jan. 10, 2009; two brothers and three sisters.

 Betty Jean Irvine, daughter of Ichabod and Nell L. (Sergeant) Lamb, was born April 22, 1921, in Carlisle, Iowa, one of seven children. Her family moved to Havre, Mont., and she later returned to Iowa and attended Simpson College. Betty was united in marriage with Dr. Robert D. Irvine and they were longtime residents of Newton. She was heavily involved in her husband's veterinary practice. They moved to Hawaii and then to Georgia, when Robert accepted a position with the Food and Drug Administration, returning to Iowa in 1977. 

She lived in Kissimmee, Fla., after her husband death. Betty was an active member of the Elks, Order of the Eastern Star, Newton Country Club, First United Methodist Church, and for several years was activity director for Orange County Senior Citizens Council on Aging, returning to Iowa in 2003. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorials in Betty's name may be designated to the Iowa City Hospice.

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