Carlson, Elizabeth 'Betty' Anna (Lekin)

Elizabeth “Betty” Anna (Lekin) Carlson, 86, of Walker, died Friday, July 2, 2010, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. There will be no public visitation or services. Arrangements by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.

She is survived by a son, Edd (Peggy) Carlson Jr. of Cedar Rapids; four daughters, Vellie (Larry) Goodman of Millersburg, Cynthia (Steve) Holub of Delmar, LuAnn (Pat) Benesh of Walker and Sara (Bryan) Doyl of Walker; 15 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

Betty was born Aug. 22, 1923, in Parnell, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas and Violet (Van Dyke) Lekin. She married Edd Carlson Sr. on Aug. 29, 1941, in Missouri. He died in 1978. Grandma “Itty Bitty,” as she was known, was a generous and caring woman who enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their activities. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan who enjoyed sports and watching Wheel of Fortune with her grandson. Betty loved her morning coffee and phone conversations and often thought of her son, David, who passed away last year. She was a member of American Legion Post 376 Ladies Auxiliary Ray Unit.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edd; and her son, David.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at St. Luke's Hospice and Palliative Care and Northbrook Manor Care Center for the compassionate care of Betty, and also to her many dear friends for their loving support.

Please sign the online guest book and share a memory about Betty at