March 18, 2024

Betty L. Klingensmith

March 21, 2017

Betty L. (Gardner) Klingensmith, 87, of Newton, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at her home in Newton. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 24, 2017, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. The family will greet friends from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, March 24, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Mercy Hospice of Des Moines may be left at the funeral home. If mailing, please add, “Attn: Klingensmith Family” to the envelope.

Betty, the daughter of Ernest and Daisy (Parmenter) Gardner, was born Dec. 20, 1929, in Lamar, Colo. She grew up in the Lovilia area. She was united in marriage with Forrest H. Klingensmith on Sept. 16, 1945, in Lovilia. The couple moved to Newton in 1953. Betty worked in production for the Vernon Company for 21.5 years. She attended Cornerstone Bible Fellowship and was a member of the UAW Local 997. She had also been a longtime PTA member. Betty enjoyed doing puzzles, crocheting, and traveling. She also possessed the gift of hospitality, opening her kitchen and home to her family and friends with no end. Cooking for her grandchildren was one of her greatest joys, and she made countless no-bake cookies for her family over the years.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Forrest in 2004; son, Nicholas Klingensmith in 2012; son-in-law Mike Taber in 2015; grandsons, Jay Taber in 2012 and Ryan Klingensmith in 2016; and her siblings: Ruth, Helen, Maxine, Polly, Norma, Fred and Bob.

Those left to honor Betty’s memory include her children: Judy (Dean) Raffety of Newton, Beverly Taber of Newton, Jeanne (Rod) Brouwer of San Tan Valley, Ariz., and Dennis (Lori) Klingensmith of Newton; seven grandchildren: Nick Klingensmith, Jr., Eric Klingensmith, Deana (David) Weiss, Mike (Angela) Taber II, Cory Klingensmith and Kelly Klingensmith; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild on the way; and her sister-in-law, Margit Gardner.