"Dear loved ones of Betty and especially her children, I remember fondly that your mother was one of the rosary leaders at Good Samaritan. Sometimes her voice wasn't strong, BUT ALWAYS HER FAITH AND KINDNESS TO EVERYONE WAS REAL STRONG! I recall how calm and peace-filled Betty always was. She seemed to be one of those persons who never got ruffled. Surely you are blessed with marvelous memories. May you all cherish them. May you have new joys as you envision your mother receiving the crown of life and still praying, now in Heaven, with the Blessed Mother for everyone she loves. May the peace which passes all understanding be with you always. Sincerely, Barb Vaske"
In loving memory of
Betty J. Reding
March 9, 1928 - November 7, 2017
Memorials, in Betty's memory, will be directed to St. Cecelia Catholic Church and the National Alzheimer's Association.
Betty Jane (Bormann) Reding passed away Nov. 7, 2017 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines at the age of 89. She was born on March 9, 1928 in Riverdale Township, Kossuth County, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Rosalia (Kirsch) Bormann. She grew up on a farm near Bode and graduated from St. Joseph's Academy at St. Joseph. Following high school she worked in her parents' business in Bode.
On October 24, 1949, Betty was united in marriage to Maurice Reding at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in St. Joseph. Together they raised their family of 12 children on a farm east of St. Joseph, teaching them to work hard, share and love each other. Great sadness swept the household on September 9, 1968 when their youngest child, Nicholas, died at birth. Betty and Maurice had a great love for God and family. The family mantra was, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all."
In 1972, the couple moved to Algona where she worked in the food service area at Bishop Garrigan High School. In 1978, Betty was named manager of Algona's first Casey's General Store, a positon she held until retirement. In her later years, she was a seasonal worker at the Pioneer Hi-Bred seed corn production plant in Algona. Betty's greatest love was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She crocheted afghans over the years for each of her 42 grandchildren, presenting them as high school graduation gifts. Betty also enjoyed cooking and baking. She was an avid card player.
Active in St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Betty sang in the parish choir, participated in Catholic Daughters of America, served as a eucharistic minister and in the weekly rotation at adoration chapel. She led the rosary at Good Samaritan Center and volunteered time to Meals on Wheels and in the office of St. Cecelia Parish. In 2013, Betty moved to the Des Moines area to live at Martina Place assisted living in Johnston. She spent her final months at Trinity Center at Luther Park in Des Moines.
Betty is survived by her 12 children, Mary (Warren) Riedesel of Des Moines; Larry (Mary Jo) Reding of Dallas, TX; Jean (Lew) Sitzmann of Kingsley; Jane (Dennis) Crabb of Denison; Joan (Mike) Driscoll of LeMars; Kathy (Kirk) Doll of Coral Gables, FL; Maury (Becky) Reding of West Des Moines; Rick (Diane) Reding of Athens, AL; Patty (Mick) Elbert of Algona, John (Rochelle) Reding of Old Hickory, TN; Ann (Ray) Beenken of Gilbert, AZ; and Tony (Karen) Reding of Urbandale. Also surviving are 42 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and siblings Lou (Al) Canon of Silver Springs, MD; Sally (Bill) Asher of Buffalo Junction, VA; Arlene Ballard of Willmar, MN; Karel (Jean Sabus) Bormann of Algona; Judy (Don) Prejean of Arlington, TX; Ron (Judy) Bormann of Charles City; and Marjory Bormann of Silver Springs, MD. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Preceding Betty in death were her husband, Maurice in 1982; a sister Marian; her parents; an infant son, Nicholas Reding; and a grandson Allen Reding.
Tributes
"Have been honored to work with Rick Reding ( Son) and Jennifer Reding ( Grand daughter) of Mrs. Betty Reding. Both are fine people that have earned the respect of all they meet. Hard working, Open and Honest, Smart, Good people to be around, and dependable are just a few of their qualities. After reading the Obituary , I sincerely believe that Mrs. Betty Reding positively influenced them to be the people they are today and origins of their admirable qualities. So sorry for the families loss and also the loss to the community of Algona Iowa. She did so much!"
"Our prayers are with you and all the Reding families. Hug each other closer and for a little longer these next two days and share a memory and laughter. How wonderful to have each other at this difficult time. Teresa, Rosie, Luke, Lydia Dayton. - Urbandale Jim will welcome her with his smile and hugs in heaven."
"To Betty's Family My deepest sympathies and my prayers are with all of you. I heard the news while visiting my mom this week in Algona. I last saw your beautiful mother about 4 plus years ago at Van Buren. She had that ever famous smile and kind disposition. Her face lit up as she told me about all of you. Mom took the news hard. Betty was a good friend to her, as she was to so many. I know heaven is an even better place now that she's there. May God continue to bless all of you. Judy (Kollasch) Skow"
"Jane and Dennis and all of your extended family, May the peace and love of Jesus, fill the void in your hearts today and always. Each of you is a living tribute to your beautiful, amazing, godly mom and grandma!"
"So sorry for your loss Jean and Joan and family. Our deepest sympathy!"
"Betty was a loving, sweet & caring person. She left a beautiful family that will keep special memories dear to their hearts. Love & Blessings to Family & Friends"
"When we married in 2000, we asked guests to write a note leaving us some advice for a successful marriage. Aunt Betty wrote, "[r]emember it isn't 50/50 but 100/100." I still quote that, even to my co-workers. Though just a kid, I could see that your parents were a fantastic couple. Your mother had such a warm and generous heart. I will remember her so fondly. Love, Linda (Prejean) Thompson, aka Judy's middle daughter"
"Nobody did life better than your mom, and I'm certain the world will be a little darker without her in it! She was absolutely one of my all time favorite people....and I was so blessed to call her my godmother! You need to know that everybody I know knows about her...and all of you! You guys have all done your parents proud...and are just the best of the best! I know you'll all miss your mom so much, but it sure thrills me to picture her and your dad together again. It's been a long wait for both of them! God bless you all...hang on to all those wonderful memories, stay close to each other, and keep that love alive! Love to all, Cindy and John"
"To all the Reding kids: Your mom was such a joy! Always loved being able to visit with her when we both lived in Algona. She was so proud of each and every one of you and her love for all of you was so obvious! We are so thankful that the Lord put Betty in our lives and we know she is beyond happy in heaven with Him. Prayers to everyone. Tom and Linda"