"I loved your sweet momma. Out of all my mom?s friends, she was my favorite! When she smiled she smiled from her heart. So loving and warm. I pray for comfort and sweet times together to remember her. All my love to you all. Karen Freeburg (Burgason)"
In loving memory of
Betty Ellen Waters
October 14, 1932 - October 31, 2025
To live stream the service follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwj2dN7jr-k
Betty Ellen (Richey) Waters, formerly of Ames, Iowa, passed away on October 31, 2025, at the Vi Retirement Community and Care Center in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 2900 Hoover Ave. in Ames, with burial to follow at Ames Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to Mass. A further opportunity to visit with the family and celebrate Betty's life will take place at the Homewood Golf Course Clubhouse, 401 E. 20th St. from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Betty was born October 14, 1932, in Clarinda, Iowa, to Howard H. and Minnie Talkington Richey. Betty lived in Clarinda, Guthrie Center, and Carthage, Illinois, before moving with her family to Carroll, Iowa, in 1947. She graduated from Carroll High School [CHS] in 1950, where she was a cheerleader, the school's 1949 ping pong champion, and where she met her future husband - a CHS class of 1945 graduate who asked to be introduced to the "cute blonde" following a pep rally for the football team.
Betty enrolled in the Iowa State Teacher's College, in Cedar Falls and later transferred to Simpson College in Indianola, where she received her teaching certificate. She enjoyed many friendships as a member of the Tri Delta sorority and began her teaching career sharing her love of learning with second graders in the Winterset public schools.
On August 8, 1953, Betty and John William (Bill) Waters were married at the Immaculate Conception Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. While living in Cedar Rapids, Betty completed her bachelor's degree, with honors, from Coe College.
Betty and Bill lived in Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Burlington, Iowa, as they followed Bill's career with the Firestone Company and began their family. In 1961, the young family moved to Ames, where Bill went into business for himself, and Betty continued her career as a mother, homemaker and volunteer.
She loved being part of her community and treasured the friendships she made. She was an active member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters, P.E.O. Chapter KC, Mary Greeley Auxiliary, Questers, and the Ames Golf & Country Club. Betty also enjoyed golf, bowling, bridge and dancing, and was rarely without a good book in hand.
Betty and Bill impressed on their children how fortunate they were to live and raise their family in Ames. They set an example of respect for and devotion to their faith, family, friends and community that their children strive to emulate.
Betty will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her children: Joan Waters, Jeff (Carol) Waters, Julia (Tim) Flathers, Deb Aratani, Amy (Terry) Davis; eleven grandchildren: Kari (Joseph) Kazer, Kristen (Samuel) Parsons, Torin (Danelle) Waters, Tyler Aratani, Cole (Haley) Aratani, Derek Waters, Alexander Aratani , Mari Davis, Ana Davis, Chad (Kelly) Davis and Greg Davis; ten great-grandchildren: Eva, Elspeth, Jonas, Wyatt, Maret, Margaux, Holiday, Lenora, Willem and Jensen; sisters-in-law: Ann Schulz and Mary Richey; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased in death by her husband of more than sixty years, Bill Waters; parents Howard and Minnie Richey; brother Skip Richey; grandson Matthew Aratani; brothers-in-law: Joe Waters, Jim Waters, Bill Tormey, Dan Waters and Norm Schulz; sisters-in-law: Mary (Joe) Waters, Lois (Jim) Waters, and Margaret (Bill) Tormey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation or the Ames Education Foundation (Lunch Heroes), in memory of Betty Waters.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"To the Waters family(my second family) how sad I am for you all that Betty has passed. My only consolation is that she is with Bill again and hopefully with Mom and Dad. I'm sure they are discussing politics. I have so many great memories of spending time at your house. I'd come across the street in my pajamas and sit at the table in front of the window. Betty would always offer something to drink or eat. I still make several of her recipes. She was ahead of her time in putting the laundry room up on the same floor as the bedrooms when they remodeled after the fire. But the best was the drinking fountain in the 1/2 bath. What an impression that made on me as a kid. Saved a lot on Dixie cups. I'll remember her laugh and the little shake of her head. I'll remember how she always took the poodles for grooming and they would come back with bows and painted nails. Betty was a class act with a flair for fashion. She really was a second Mom to me. I will forever be grateful for the wonderful friendship of Betty and Bill and of course the rest of the family. Love you all! Thanks for being the best neighbors and 2nd family to ours. Hugs."
"Waters fam and all who loved Betty, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Amy, as one of my best friends growing up, you and your folks' home was my 2nd home and it was such a wonderful place. I don't remember your Mom ever scolding us for eating our weight in Mac n cheese almost every day after school. She always made me feel welcomed and safe. Very grateful for her and I'll be sending all of you up in prayer and meditation. I am living in Ames again so please let me know if I can assist with anything this next week. Will send my contact info on FB messenger...Kat Norris"