Betty Struthers

Betty Struthers, age 80, was born on October 5, 1943, and went into eternity on September 6, 2024.

She was born to the late Martin and Veryldene (Hummel) Kolby, was one of five girls. She was raised in Oakland, Iowa, where she graduated Oakland High School in 1961.

It was while she was in high school, she met Tom Struthers and eventually married Tom on November 3, 1961.

They were blessed with two children Roberta (Bobbie) and Martin (Marty). They were equally blessed with five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Betty had been a longtime employee with the Council Bluffs School System, when she retired in 2006, as the receptionist at Abraham Lincoln High School.

Betty and Tom moved to the Prairie Gate Community in Council Bluffs in February of 2020. It was there that she became, as one resident described, "the very fabric of Prairie Gate". She would greet the Nonpareil employee dropping off the daily newspapers at Prairie Gate and then delivered said newspapers to the various residents. In addition to delivering the newspapers, she would also deliver any packages that came throughout the day to other residents, direct visitors to their destinations and greet any newcomers that had just moved in.

In addition to her various duties she became part of the Thursday night card group, daily coffee club group, and dog mom to any and all dogs on the premises. All the dogs that resided at Prairie Gate discovered her secret: She kept dog treats in her pockets in the instance that she would meet a dog in the hallway and she wanted to be prepared to reward them for a job well done.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Barbara Jorgensen; and nephew, Douglas Livengood.

She is survived by daughter, Bobbie (Dan) Miller of Council Bluffs, IA; son, Marty (Taryn) Struthers of Louisville, NE; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Kates of Fairview, TN, Ruby Livengood and Karen (Richard) Wait of Council Bluffs, IA; cousins; nieces; and nephews.

She will be greatly missed by family and those who knew her as well as her living and giving spirit.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Friday, September 13, 2024. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Interment is in Garner Township Cemetery. Memorials will be directed by the family.