Bethel has been on a mission the past few years to spread happiness and encounter new things. She is always trying to make people happy, whether she is at home with her daughters, Grace, 14, and Lizzie, 10, or at work at the Marshall County Treasurer’s Office.

“I see everyone as equal, no one is above anybody else,” Bethel said. “I have never met a stranger.”

She is quick to greet people with a big smile and not afraid to hand out the hugs.

“I am very loving and I have a giving heart, but I am not one to jump up and give a speech,” Bethel said. “If I see someone is upset, I will hug them.”

Contributed photo

She believes her loving personality came from her mother, Sue, and brother, Pat. Both of them died two years ago within nine months of one another. When Bethel sees someone is upset, she wants to help make his or her day just a little bit better through kindness.

“You have no idea what is going on through someone’s life,” Bethel said. “We should try to be mindful.”

Not only is Bethel intent on making people happy, but she is also focusing on herself. Making others happy makes her happy. Something else that makes Bethel feel the joy is new things. Since her mother and brother died, she decided to say “yes” to more opportunities.

“I always want to find anything that is new and fun,” Bethel said. “I feel like things come in to your life in a single moment and there is a reason for it.”

She is applying that feeling to a variety of things. Through it, Bethel has found she enjoys sushi and has a love of travel. She has attended concerts and mastered a variety of crafts. Bethel does not have a favorite craft either.

“If I see something trending, something that catches my eye, I take a hold of it and I do it,” she said.

Bethel is naturally gifted when it comes to crafts. Growing up, she said she and her mother would spend time crafting. Now she does not stick to any one craft for long. Once Bethel masters one, she finds another craft to practice.

“I do not find comfort in doing the same thing over and over,” Bethel said. “I take comfort in trying new things now.”

She is hoping her example will inspire other people in Marshalltown. Bethel said while there are many positive things happening in town, there is a lot of negativity.

“If you see a problem, offer a solution,” she said. “Use your resources. Get involved in town and be active. One person can cause a ripple. Imagine if everybody in town did something positive. It would be amazing and beautiful.”