Betty Achenbach

BETTY ACHENBACH

Cedar Rapids

Betty J. Achenbach died March 31, 2017, in her home with her family by her side.

She was born Gertrude Clara Glandorf to her loving mother, Marie Margaret Glandorf, on April 27, 1927. Her mother, Marie, out of love for her baby girl, placed her in the American Home Finding Association in hopes that a loving couple would adopt her daughter.

The loving couple to adopt her was Gustave and Fannie Lieber. They fell in love with her and adopted her, changing baby Gertrude's name to Betty Jane Lieber, and giving her a new birth day, March 21, 1927.

Our mother was part of the 1946 graduating class of Wilson High School, where she enjoyed performing in plays and played basketball. She worked as a switchboard operator during her senior year. She went on to work for Square D Co. (Schneider), retiring after 48 years.

Our mother loved animals; she allowed us to have many. She especially loved her horses and passed that love on to her daughters. She said animals were an important part of life. We learned the responsibilities associated with caring, along with learning unconditional love. Most importantly was learning how to cope with the loss of someone you loved.

Our mother was very talented; she loved ceramics, painting, drawing, writing poetry and stories. She also loved planting flowers, then picking them to make beautiful arrangements for her home.

During her journey in life as a child, she first lived in Iowa, moving with her parents to California and ending up back in Iowa. As an adult, she traveled to many European countries. Her favorite story was being in Germany when they started to tear down the Berlin Wall.

Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Barbra L. Rosdail of Centreville, Md., and Dawn (Steve Hauschild) Lambert of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren, Kim Chism, Dustun (Dyan) Rosdail, Michael Lambert, Matthew Lambert, Davey Achenbach and Shanell Achenbach; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Our mother was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clarence; son, David Achenbach; and her sisters, Hellen F. Lieber and Rosemary Stanley.

Per our mother's request, there will be no services, only a private family gathering at a later date.

With all our heart, we wish to thank the UnityPoint Hospice team Dr. Lisa Hazelton, Robin, Bobbi Jo, Gary, Chris, Beth and Becky. Your hearts are gold. Thank you for your love and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be left to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.