Andrle, Alberta 'Betty'

CEDAR RAPIDS - Alberta "Betty" Andrle,  94, devoted mother and grandmother, died Sept. 15, 2010, after a brave fight with kidney disease. 

Survivors include her beloved daughter, Sherry Quijano, her favorite son-in-law, Robert Quijano, grandson, Michael J. Stengrund, and granddaughter, Kaley Quijano, all of Douglasville, Ga., where Betty recently moved so she could be with her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, August and Josephine Venhorst; her only son, John R. Andrle; her brother, Col. Gerard Venhorst; and her first grandson, Zuric Rahn, whom she carried his loss heavily.

    Betty was born March 12, 1916, in River Forest, Ill., and moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa at six weeks old. Her parents owned the Holland Bakery on First Avenue for many years. She attended Immaculate Conception Church and was a graduate of Mundeline College in Chicago, with a degree in sociology.

Betty was well known for starting Cedar Rapids' first preschool in 1945 and continued the joy of having many of the area's children and their children attend for 32 years.

 Betty was very outgoing, loved people and made friends wherever she went. Enjoying her large circle of friends, she kept busy playing bridge and attending luncheons and she loved to read.

 A special thanks to all her wonderful friends in Cedar Rapids who meant so very much to her and brought her so much happiness throughout the years.

 Betty had overcome ovarian cancer, 12 major surgeries and pulled through with the prayers from her guardian angel, Sister Helen, of the Sisters of Mercy, La Crosse, Wis. 

She was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, where a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17. Inurnment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

No flowers please. A contribution may be made to Peachtree Christian Hospice, where Betty was cared for with the upmost dignity and comfort, if you wish. Address: Peachtree Christian Hospice, 3430 Duluth Park Lane, Duluth, GA 30096