Bette Joan Honken, daughter of Andy and Avis (Johnson) Honken, was born July 26, 1937, in Mason City, IA. She grew up in the Mason City/Manly, IA area and graduated from Manly High School. She was captain of her high school basketball team. Bette then graduated from the University of Iowa and was a life-long Hawkeye fan.

Bette met Garth Ervin at the University and they were united in marriage. The couple lived in California and Connecticut before returning to Marshalltown, IA. Bette worked at many hospitals through the years. After having four children, she was a nursing instructor for many years at the Marshalltown School of Nursing as well as a State Inspector of hospitals. She also belonged to the P.E.O. Chapter and 20th Century club while in Marshalltown.

Following Garth’s death, Bette met John Mathis. They were united in marriage in 2000 and enjoyed traveling extensively.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, John; four children, Sean Ervin and his wife, Patrice, Sioux Falls, SD, Erin Frost and her husband, Jim, Coon Rapids, MN, Dana Leners and her husband, Rich, Ames, IA, Kira McKenna, Coon Rapids, MN; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

In addition to her first husband, Garth, she was preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Avis Honken and two brothers, Don Honken and Jerry Honken.

Bette’s family requests that memorials be directed to Avera Hospice in Sioux Falls. Online guestbook at georgeboom.com.