Margaret 'Bettie' Merideth

MARGARET "BETTIE" ELIZABETH MERIDETH

Cedar Rapids

Margaret "Bettie" Elizabeth Merideth, 81, of Cedar Rapids, entered into Eternal Life on Feb. 6, 2016, the result of complications from PSP (progressive supranuclear palsy). This rare disease claimed her independence, yet not her sense of humor or Godly spirit as she willingly shared in the suffering of the cross. Her poise in suffering was testament to her gentle nature and faith. She shared her love daily through a smile, a gesture, a kind word and treating all with dignity.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday Feb. 13, with rosary at 10:30 a.m., at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Hiawatha. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church with the Very Rev. Mark Ressler presiding.

Many were her gifts, organizing fundraisers, writing and editing, volunteering, hospitality, serving the poor among us and, most importantly, the gift of mere presence. She brought great joy to those around her as she welcomed without judgment and shared generously from her heart and purse. Graciously accepting aid with daily living, she taught us humility and patience. She was an active volunteer in Yuma, Ariz., and again in Cedar Rapids, with Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Heritage Area Agency on Aging, Welcome Wagon, Xavier High School and Meals on Wheels.

Married to Richard Andrew Merideth on Sept. 19, 1954, they are survived by one child, Lorrie Merideth Erusha (Bruce); three grandchildren, Merideth of Parkville, Md., Thomas of La Crosse, Wis., and John (Natalia); and great-grandchild, Juana Mora, all of Santa Lucia, Corrientes in Argentina. She also is survived by two siblings, Carl Joseph Beger and Mary Ann Burtner of Texas; and 30 nieces and nephews.

Born Nov. 8, 1934, in Boonville, Mo., Bettie was preceded in death by an infant son, Thomas; her parents, Carl and Gertrude (Bestgen) Beger; and three siblings, Gertrude Marie Brewer, Agusta Louise Meyer and Martha Jean Willson.

We thank Dr. Mary Nelson, the special hospice caregivers and Hallmar staff for kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church or Mercy Hospital Foundation for Hospice of Mercy Fund.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.