Betty R. South

Betty Ruth South, age 96, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at The Bridges of Ankeny while under the care of Suncrest Hospice.

Betty was born July 3, 1926 in Mill County, Malvern, Iowa. She was the daughter of Charles Everett Michelson and Eva Winifred (Carr) Michelson. In 1945, she received her High School Normal Training Teaching Certificate. She taught elementary school in a one-room school house just north of Mount Ayr, Iowa. Betty later taught in Middle Fork, Iowa.

Betty was united in marriage to Charles “Char” Junior South on June 14, 1947 in Red Oak, Iowa. They were blessed with two children, Doug and Pam. Over the next couple of years, the family traveled for Charles’ work. In the mid 1950s they settled in Des Moines where she worked for Meredith Corporation. She later worked for Sears in the credit department. Betty then took time off to care for her children and be a homemaker for her family. During this time, she did bookwork for their masonry business – South & Michelson. She returned to work part time for Bowie Oil Company as an office manager. She finally retired from the family owned business, Quality Insulation in Des Moines in 1988.

Betty was a member of the Pleasant Hill Ladies Auxiliary and several bridge clubs over the years. She was an avid card player. Charles and Betty dearly loved to square dance. She also enjoyed camping and boating in the Ozarks every summer.

She is survived by her son, Doug South (JuanCarlos Sagastume); daughter, Pam Blankenfeld (Jim); grandchildren, Kenneth Charles Narayan and Karli Blankenfeld; her sister, Wanda Adams; and other extended family and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Charles South; parents, Charles and Eva Michelson; brothers, Cecil and Glen Michelson; and her sister, Phyllis Hummel.

Services will be held Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Pleasant Hill after the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Suncrest Hospice, 5959 Village View Drive, Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50266 in appreciation of their care of Betty.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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