Betty Jane Bellizzi
August 10, 2012
Betty Jane Dixon Bellizzi, formerly of Heitman, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her home of over 60 years in Des Moines, on Friday, August 10, 2012.
Visitation will be held Sunday, August 19, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, 4:00-6:00 pm, with an American Legion service at 5:30 pm, and a vigil service at 6:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, August 20, 2012, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, with burial following at Glendale Cemetery, and a luncheon at the Elk’s Lodge, 5420 NE 12th Avenue, Pleasant Hill.
The youngest of 10 children, Betty Jane was born July 2, 1917, to Henry Harry and Jane (Johnston) Dixon. She was survived by sister Bessie Miller of Kokomo, Indiana, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Betty Jane attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City, majoring in nursing for 2 years, followed by enlistment in the US Navy where she rose to the rank of Lt. jg, First Class RN. She served in San Diego and Chicago, and was discharged after 5 years of service. She returned to her family in Des Moines and on July 2, 1947, married Louis J. Bellizzi.
Betty Jane worked for the US Government for over 40 years, and was active with the American Legion, having served as President of the Bellizzi MacRae Auxiliary, as well as other offices in other auxiliaries. She was also active in the Veterans of Foreign Affairs organization, serving as the Polk County Commander, was Lady of the Year for the ABWA, and a member of the DOES.
Betty Jane grew up on a farm and helped her dad in the fields and with milking chores. Her dad said, “she was the best farm boy I ever had.” Throughout her life, she was very active, adventurous, and always willing to help those in need. She was also very family-oriented, and when her sister passed away, she promised to help raise her three children, Larry Biggs of Kaneohe, Hawaii, Mary Ella Biggs of Des Moines (deceased), and Karen Sue Biggs Leeds of Arlington, Virginia, making sure they received their education and went on to college. In addition to her serious side, there was a playful and fun loving side, known as Betty Boop to many of her friends.
A quotation found in her things says, “You hunger for life beyond the mundane. Where friends need you or business associates want you, you show up all smiles and handshakes, ready to contribute whatever you can.” Betty was also down to earth, “told it like it was,” and was never pretentious.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to American Legion Auxiliary Unit 659, College Nursing Fund.
Online condolences may be sent to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jack Powers
08/21/2012
Aunt Jane, you lived life to the fullest, never accepting any less than a person's best. You treated your brother Joe's daughter and her kids as if we were your own!
Thanks for the life lessons. Sorry I missed your last days on earth but I'm sure you'll have them all at attention in heaven. You will be missed!
Brenda Welch Pirillo
08/20/2012
Betty Bellizzi has been my neighbor for over 46 years . I would stop by and visit her on occassion and have a beer . She had the best stories ever . I will miss you my " neighbor lady" . Until we meet again .
Ted Hall
08/20/2012
A true example of American Patriotism, a Valiant Navy Nurse, and an asset to the American Legion and all Veterans. One thing that will be missed by all, is her unabashed opinion on anything and everything. You will be missed.
DJ Hall
08/19/2012
I know she is happy now. She is with her Mom & Dad, her wonderful Louie, and her precious Mary. I can almost hear her laughing all the way to our house. I bet she is already in charge of something to do with the Military people coming up there. I will miss my lunch partner. Bless You Betty.
Lorrie Powers
08/19/2012
Will miss you, Great Aunt Jane. You always took an interest in my family and in what we were doing. I know you're watching over us. Love you....
Steve Becker, AL Polk Co. Commander
08/18/2012
I wish to express my sincerest condolences to the family of Betty Jane Bellizzi and the members of Bellizzi MacRae Post and Auxiliary for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting her on a few occasions at Legion meetings. She was one sharp gal. She will be missed.
Dixie Powell
08/18/2012
Aunt Jane, you will be missed.
You came to help whenever we needed you. Now you are with your loved ones and at rest.
as always Elizabeth Ann
Ruth Lakers
08/17/2012
What a gal. Always had an interest in what you were doing. Will miss her at the annual NTEU Chapter 4 meeting, I used to pick her up and we went out to Prairie Meadows and alwo will miss her at NARFE Chapter 148. Her questions were priceless
God Bless