Obituary of Betty Charleen Stratton

Betty Charleen Stratton, beloved mother, grandmother and friend peacefully passed away at the age of 91 on Thursday, June 27, 2024, surrounded by her family and friends at Grand Living, Bridgewater in Coralville.

Born in Rock Island, IL, on October 15, 1932, to Electa A. Kennedy. Betty married the love of her life, Ray Yenter Stratton, on July 24, 1950, at St. Patrick’s Church in Iowa City.

Together, Betty and Ray built their life on a farm near Oxford, Iowa, where they raised five children. Betty dedicated many years to the Amana-Clear Creek School District, starting as a secretary, board secretary, and retiring as the business manager of the district’s administrative office.

Betty was a dedicated member of the Board Secretary Association, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and the Oxford and Swisher Auxiliaries.

In retirement, Betty and Ray enjoyed wintering in Arizona at Rincon County West. Betty put her administrative background to good use, working at both the main and activities offices.

Betty spent her pastime playing cards, bingo, dancing, and sewing. She cherished spending time with her family.

Later in life, Betty made her home at Grand Living Bridgewater in Coralville, where she made many new friends who became like family. She kept busy with a variety of activities, particularly enjoying the bell choir, Rummikub, euchre, and much more.

Her family includes children Mary Yoder (Harlan), Linda Wilson (Jeff), Tom Stratton (Kathy), and Rose Stratton; nine grandchildren, Melissa Yoder, Amanda Wilkens (Birch), Matt Wilson (Kristin Weeks), Erin Wilson, Samantha Corenman, Gary Lucas (Alexia), Trisha Gardner (Jason), Nicholas Stratton, and Heather Stratton (Tay Parker); step-grandson Tommy Riley (Carolyn); five great-grandchildren, Hayley Laursen (Nate), Logan Gardner, Nolan Stratton, Tay Parker Jr, and JoJo Parker and 1 great-great-child on the way.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Electa; husband, Ray; daughter, Peggy and half siblings Raymond Kennedy and Eleanor Kovacs.

Memorial services will be held at 4pm Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oxford with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery near Oxford.  There will be a time of visitation for family and friends from 2 pm Wednesday until the services at the church.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made in Betty’s beautiful memory to St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Oxford or Hospice Essence of Life of Amana, who so compassionately cared for our mom!