Betty Ann Carlson, age 76, of Spencer, Iowa, and formerly of Marathon, Iowa, died on Monday, October 20, 2014, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church in Marathon. Burial will follow in the Poland Township Cemetery in Marathon. Visitation will take place Friday, October 24, 2014 from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements.

Betty Ann Newcomb, the daughter of Roy and Hazel (Howard) Newcomb, was born in Spencer, Iowa, on November 13, 1937. She lived her youth in the Spencer community and was a graduate of the Spencer High School. Betty continued her education at the LaJames Cosmetology College in Des Moines, Iowa.

On March 3, 1963, Betty was united in marriage to Irving Vernon Carlson at the Grace Lutheran Church in Marathon and this union was blessed with two sons: Eugene and Jon. Following their marriage, they farmed near Marathon until moving into town in 1982. Flash had worked for Purlator Couriers for 20 years and also at Positech in Laurens. In addition to helping on the farm and being a devoted wife and mother, Betty had served as the church custodian, worked at the restaurant in Marathon, was a cook for the Laurens-Marathon Middle School, was an employee of the Marathon Post Office, and was the custodian for the Marathon Community Center.

Betty was a faithful member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Marathon. She enjoyed doing many kinds of handwork which included sewing, knitting, latch hook, and crocheting.

Betty’s life will always be cherished and honored by her family which include her children: Eugene (Melissa) Carlson of Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Jon Carlson of Meservey, Iowa; grandchildren: Natasha, Leah, Noah, Olivia, Sophia, Jonah, and Addisyn; brother, Bud Newcomb of Spencer, Iowa; sister, Faye Willet of Spencer, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other extended family and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Irving “Flash” Carlson on May 10, 2000; and siblings: Bob, Harlan, Marge, Leona, Arlene, and Mel.

Blessed be the memory of Betty Ann (Newcomb) Carlson.