Simon, Betty Jane

Betty Jane Simon, 63, of 307 Seventh Ave., Farley, passed away Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. Her final days were spent surrounded by her family. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Farley, with the Rev. John Haugen officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Reiff Funeral Home, Farley, where there will be a wake service at 7:30 p.m.

Betty was born May 24, 1949, in Dubuque, Iowa, to George M. and Mary (Hefel) Simon. She grew up in Farley and was a 1967 graduate of St. Joseph High School. After high school she attended and graduated from Upper Iowa University. Betty was also a graduate of the Loyola Institute of Ministry Extension Program (LIMEX).

For many years Betty was employed as an agent with Lange Insurance and Town and Country Insurance and most recently in social work with Hillcrest Services.

Betty was a member of St. Joseph's Parish, associate member of Presentation Sisters, and a past member of the Farley Park board. She organized the first Farley women's softball league and was its coach for many years.

Betty lived life to the fullest, savoring and cherishing every moment. She touched the lives of many throughout her life. Her enthusiasm was reflected by her involvement in youth ministry. She served as a youth religious education instructor. Betty's passion for youth ministry was demonstrated by the numerous service trips of which she coordinated and provided transportation for many local youth.

Although Betty was not a mother, she was a mother to many. She was a constant presence in the lives of her nieces and nephews. She thoroughly enjoyed their accomplishments and was always their biggest cheerleader. In later years, Betty looked forward to the many visits from her great-nieces and great-nephews.

Betty was a woman of faith, but because of who she was, she probably never talked it, instead she lived her faith. Over the years her faith evolved into a deep and keen awareness that faith was not about words, but about actions.

Those left to treasure her memory are 10 brothers and sisters, Mary Kay Wolfe, Clinton, Ill., George Jr. (Dorann) Simon, Jean Ann Neyen, Farley, Anna Mae (Glen) Hardin, Peosta, Donna (Joe) Daly, Lois (Paul) Rauen, Roger (Darlene) Simon, Connie Simon, all of Farley, Marty Simon, Manchester, and Sandy Simon, Farley; 31 nieces and nephews; and 42 great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Thomas Simon in 1941; a sister-in-law, Judy Simon; brothers-in-law, Robert Neyen and Richard Wolfe; and a great-nephew, Dylan Hoefer.

Remember Betty with this Old Irish Blessing Prayer:

“Grant me a sense of humor, Lord

The saving grace to see a joke;

To win some happiness from life;

And pass it on to the other folk.”

Betty's family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, especially Diane, Edna and Nicole for their compassion shown to Betty and her family. A special thank you to Father John Haugen, and her many close friends for their meaningful visits and calls.

Published Jan. 13, 2013 in The Gazette