Betty M Sears

Betty M. Sears, 90, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away peacefully on October 7, 2023, at Regency Care Center in Norwalk, Iowa.

Betty was born to George and Virginia Jones in Ottumwa, Iowa. She graduated from Hedrick High School and went on to pursue a teaching degree at Parsons Teaching College in Fairfield, Iowa. It was here that she met Frank Sears whom she later married. They had three children, Gloria, Marvin, and Craig. Betty taught at various schools throughout the Des Moines metro area and eventually retired from Des Moines Public Schools.

Betty was a longtime member of St. John’s United Methodist Church and enjoyed fellowship with her congregation. She treasured spending time with her family and beloved dog, Lady. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her much joy and happiness. If there was a baby in her presence, she was holding them. Betty had a sweet tooth and didn’t meet many desserts or ice cream that she didn’t like. Those who knew Betty appreciated her sense of humor and love of comic cat, Garfield.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, George and Virginia; grandson, Robert “Robbie” Sears; and sister, Thelma Harris.

She is survived by her daughter, Gloria Sears; sons, Marvin (Kari) Sears, and Craig Sears, all of Des Moines; granddaughters, Courtney (Ben) Fox, Melody Sears, and Emma Sears; grandsons, Kelly Sears, Derek (Kristine) Bittick, and Schuyler (Hannah) Sears; great-grandchildren, Kelly Jr., Dominic, Dilana, Madilyn, Jameson, Callan, and Quinnlyn; sister, Ann Collier, of Groveland, Florida; as well as a host of extended family and dear friends.

The family would like to thank the staff of Regency Care Center for their love and care of Betty in her final days.

Visitation and a celebration of Betty’s life will be held at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street on Friday, October 13, 2023. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with the Celebration of Life to follow at 11 a.m. Betty will be laid to rest on Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the Iowa School for the Deaf Foundation in loving memory of Betty.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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