Obituary of Betty Jane Batterman

Betty J. Batterman, age 93 longtime resident of Iowa City died of natural causes Sunday, April 26, 2020, at the Crestview Nursing Care Center. Betty Jane Vennum was born October 16, 1926, at McCool Junction, Nebraska, the daughter of Frank and Minnie (Smith) Vennum. Attending McCool Junction schools, she graduated with the class of 1944. She then did her nurses training in Lincoln, NE as a member of the Nurse Cadet Corps. On January 30, 1949 she was united in marriage to Lester L. Batterman in Hastings, NE. The couple moved to Iowa City in 1952, where Les was involved in the Insurance and Real Estate business and Betty began her career as a nurse with the Veterans Administration Hospital that spanned over 38 years until retirement in 1993. In 2015 she was thrilled to be a part of the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to Washington, DC where she saw many monuments honoring veterans including Women in the Military. Betty enjoyed playing bridge and traveling around the world. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the DAR. When the grandchildren came on the scene, she was one proud Grandma. Her family includes her two daughters, Connie Olson (Jim), and Sheri Batterman; grandchildren, Erica George (Phil), Anna Olson (Kirk Peterson), David Azcona, Irene Azcona and A.J. Azcona; and two great-grandchildren, Skye and Catriona George. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Les; and three brothers, Charles, William, and John Vennum. The family would like to thank the staff of Crestview Nursing Care Center for the wonderful care they provided Betty. According to Betty’s wishes there will be no public memorial service. Arrangements are pending for a family graveside service. Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 214 E Jefferson St. Iowa City, IA 52245. Online condolences may be sent to her family through the web at www.gayandciha.com.