Obituary of Betty J. Krabill

Betty Jean Krabill, 81, of Iowa City died Sunday, August 21, 2016, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, August 25, 2016, at First Mennonite Church of Iowa City, 405 Myrtle Avenue, where visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Wednesday. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Betty’s memory. Online condolences may be shared with her family through the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com. Betty Jean Roth was born March 10, 1935, in Tofield, Alberta, Canada, the daughter of Melvin and Hilda (Hershberger) Roth. Her family moved to the Wellman area where she attended Iowa Mennonite School, graduating with the class of 1954. Prior to her marriage, she worked as a secretary for the University of Iowa Hospital School. On November 17, 1956 she was united in marriage to Joseph L. “Joe” Krabill in Wellman. The couple lived southeast of Wellman for over 35 years, after residing briefly near Noble and Sharon Center, IA as well as Denver, CO. They moved to Iowa City in 1997. Betty was a longtime member of the Wellman Mennonite Church and, in recent years, First Mennonite Church of Iowa City. She was a spectacular cook. She dearly loved her family and friends, and always offered prayers and words of encouragement for all to live lives of faith. Betty will be remembered for engaging conversation and her infectious, sometimes uncontrollable laughter. Her family includes Joe, her husband of nearly 60 years; their children, Brenda Colbert (Mark) of Iowa City; Tim Krabill (Dawn) of Iowa City; and Tony Krabill of Elkhart, IN; 9 grandchildren, Lindsey, Kelsey, and Shawn Colbert; Erin, Allison, and Joe Krabill; and Paul, Philip, and Kate Krabill; Betty’s brothers, Willis Roth (Darlene) of Grand Island, NE; Delbert Roth (Miriam) of Lakewood, CO; and Curtis Roth (Rachael) of Wellman; and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Roth of Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Ellis Roth. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Betty’s family and her services.