Horak, Betty Jean (Guinn)

Betty Jean (Guinn) Horak, 79, of Cedar Rapids, joined her husband in paradise, early Friday, June 22, 2012, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House surrounded by her family. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Monday, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church by Father Christopher Podhajsky. Burial: St. Johns Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Papich-Kuba Funeral Home East, with a vigil service at 6:30 p.m.

Betty is survived by her five children, George Jr. and wife Lora of Olin, Diane Richards and husband George, Debora Pesek and husband Terry and Donna Novak and husband Randy, all of Cedar Rapids, and Denise Melchert and husband Patrick of Mount Vernon; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; and several special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, George; brothers, James and Kyle Guinn; and sisters, Beatrice Elkins, Leota Lowery and Reba (Kinky) Lowery, all of Tennessee.

Betty was born on July 30, 1932, in Warrensburg, Tn. She graduated from Moshiem High School in 1951. While attending college, she met George Horak at a local roller skating rink and they were married April 25, 1953, at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville. They moved to Cedar Rapids where Betty was a lifelong resident. Betty was a college graduate from Vanderbilt University. She worked at Novak Heating and Air Conditioning for several years, as well as other businesses as a bookkeeper. Most recently, she served as the St. Wenceslaus Parish Secretary.

Betty was an active member of St. Wenceslaus Church and enjoyed volunteering on several committees, singing in the church choir, working with the Goulash Day Committee and attending the church's Golden Oldies Club. She regularly served the church counting weekly collection money and was co-author documenting the history of the church. She was also a member of Visiting Angels and a member of FCSLA.

Betty was very active with her children and spent every moment she could with them. She enjoyed attending their sporting, band and choir events, rarely missing an opportunity to brag about her kids. Most recently, she did the same with her grandchildren and loved cheer them on. She also enjoyed crocheting and donating prayer shawls to the church. Betty was a gifted seamstress, making all her daughter's wedding gowns and countless prom dresses and daily clothes. Most recently, she enjoyed quilting and reading.

Betty was a devoted mother and always made sacrifices for her children. Her relentless ability to forgive and turn the other cheek was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was always taking care of others and will be greatly missed. We find comfort knowing she is at home with the Lord.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House for their amazing care of our Mother and Grandma. Your loving care was a blessing to her in her final days.

A memorial fund has been established.