Bettie McKenzie

Bettie McKenzie, age 97, of Spencer, Iowa, formerly of Sioux Rapids, Iowa, died Friday, October 27, 2023 at Spencer Hospital in Spencer, Iowa. 

No services will be held at this time. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements. 

Bettie was born August 19, 1926 to Russell and Olive (Collins) Hughes in Des Moines, Iowa. She was raised in Livermore, Iowa. She graduated from Livermore High School in 1944, then attended the American Art Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Following graduation, Bettie worked for Principal Insurance Company in Des Moines, Iowa while Fred attended Drake University.

Bettie was united in marriage to Fred McKenzie on February 18, 1946 in Livermore, Iowa. To this union, five children were born: Michael, Scot, Barb, Kathy, and Russ. The family lived in Macy, Nebraska and Emerson, Nebraska, then later settled in Sioux Rapids, Iowa.

Bettie loved carving wood and painting, especially kid’s portraits. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed quilting. Bettie was passionate about assisting her grandchildren with art projects. Fred and Bettie enjoyed escaping to the warm weather of Texas during Iowa winters. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Bettie is survived by her husband, Fred McKenzie of Spencer, Iowa; children: Michael (Becky) McKenzie of Jacksonville, Florida; Scot (Mary) McKenzie of Mound, Minnesota; Barb (Hugh) Cooper; Kathy (Oren II) Geisinger of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; Russ (Tiffany) McKenzie of Powell, Wyoming; sister: Jennie Lyn (Larry) Frederiksen of New Albany, Mississippi; grandchildren: Lori; Brent; Katie; Hailie; Keelie; Allen; Oren III; Penny; Alisha; 18 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law: Sue Hughes of Perry, Kansas. 

She was preceded in death by her parents: Russell and Olive (Collins) Hughes; sister: Donna (Don) Tomlinson; and brother: Gerald “Link” Hughes.

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