Elizabeth Ann Herndon

Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Herndon
Des Moines, Iowa

Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Herndon, 77, passed away on September 27, 2024 at her home under Unity Point Hospice care. She was born on December 4, 1946 to Richard and Violet (Verholt) Olson Sr., in Iowa City, Iowa.

Growing up, Elizabeth (Betty) and her family lived in many different places, including
Schenectady, New York, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Waterloo, Iowa, West Des Moines (where she attended her freshman year of high school, at Valley High) and Sioux City, Iowa where she graduated from Central high school in 1964.

Elizabeth “Betty” worked at Dahl’s, courtesy counter/customer service and Bankers Trust throughout her life – treasuring her friendships made during both careers. She was a devout wife, mother and grandmother. Elizabeth “Betty” enjoyed spending time with her family whom she deeply loved and cared for. She loved traveling. Elizabeth “Betty” was very passionate about horses and loved riding them when she was younger. She had a strong love and appreciation for the Native American culture as a result of her grandmother living on an Indian reservation in order to gain her citizenship.

Elizabeth “Betty” is survived by her husband of 27 years, John David Herndon, the two of them married on June 14, 1997, in Monroe, Iowa; her daughter, Stephanie (Jeff) Kalbfleisch of Azel, Texas; bonus children, Jolene D. Herndon, Jason D. (Rhonda) Herndon and Justin D. (Laurie) Herndon; grandchildren, Marshall Meier, Erin (Michael) Saladin and Emma Kalbfleisch; bonus grandchildren, Chelsea (Frank) Cochrane, Betsy Rife, Dylan J. (Jennifer) Herndon, Devin (Amy) Herndon and Davis Herndon; bonus great-grandchildren, Frankie, Bane, Callen, Blakely, Easton, Parker and Anna; brothers, Richard E. Olson II; nephew, Richard Olson III; Niece, Mary Sue Olson; great-nephew, Richard Olson IV, along with other loving relatives and many special friends.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Stacey Meier; parents, Richard Sr. and Violet Olson; half-sister, Sandra Olson and sister-in-law, Vida Olson.

Family will greet guests on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m., at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. A graveside service will take place immediately following at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery, 1 NE 60th Ave., Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Hope Ministries in loving memory of Elizabeth “Betty”.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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