Elizabeth "Betty" Rooney

Elizabeth "Betty" Alice Rooney passed away Friday, Aug 4, 2023, in Minneapolis, MN at 93 years of age. Betty was born in Minneapolis to Edwin and Irene Forrer, the 4th of 5 girls, on Jan. 10th, 1930. She moved with her family to Iowa when she was 7 years old. Betty graduated from St Joseph's Academy in Des Moines in 1947. After high-school, Betty attended modeling school in Minneapolis, before returning to Iowa to begin working at Younkers Department store in downtown Des Moines.

In July 1948, Betty met Mike Rooney on a blind date where they went to the Val Air Ballroom to go dancing. Betty and Mike were married on April 22nd, 1950, at St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines. They were married almost 58 years prior to his death in 2008. Betty worked for many years as a teacher's aide with Bondurant-Farrar schools and went on to become the smiling face at the State of Iowa Taxpayer Service reception desk until she retired in 1997.

She enjoyed painting, ceramics, gardening, her many friends, and most of all her family. Betty is survived by her five children Dennis, Denice (Bob), Diane (Lynn), Douglas (Alfonso), and Donna, five grandchildren Jason (Carie), Aaron (Sarah), Sean (Laura), Meghan, and Ryan, and five great grandchildren Michael, Poppy, Amara, Micah, and Oliver.

Betty was happiest when she was helping others. Well into her 80s, she could be found in a kindergarten class helping the students learn to read or helping with a weekly communion service at a nearby nursing home.

Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 12th at 10 am at Ss. John & Paul Catholic Church, in Altoona, with visitation beginning at 9 am in the church just prior to the service. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery near Farrar, and a luncheon will follow back at Ss. John & Paul. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Holy Cross Cemetery fund. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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