Betty Jean Stanford

Betty Jean Stanford, 93, of Waterloo, died Wednesday, June 12, 2024, while a resident of Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly. She was born April 9, 1931, the daughter of Joseph and Agnes Maher Nelson. Betty attended school at Waterloo East High School, married Ray Stanford on September 25, 1948, and the couple was blessed with 5 children. For over 50 years Betty Jean was a dedicated Avon Representative and she continued to make deliveries to her customers into her 90's and even during COVID.

Betty was always busy doing something. She loved to bake sweets, host family holiday meals, and made certain everyone received a birthday or Christmas gift. While Ray was living, she hosted annual fish fries. She loved her family dearly and was especially close to her Grandma Nelson. Betty was a member of Orchard Hill Church, and active with their Connect and Care Ministry.

Betty is survived by her children, Carolyn (Russ) DeVries of Waterloo, Joe (Jeanine) Stanford of Waterloo, Barb (Bill) Hurd of Lenexa, KS, Roxie (Rod) Lux of Waterloo, and Kim (Kevin) Zabel of Cedar Falls; grandchildren Angela (Greg Glick) DeVries, Dr. Ben (Lynn) DeVries, Jeremy (Megan) Stanford, Stephanie Stanford, Tasha (Mike) Brewington, Brittney (Isaac) Livingood, Jenny (Mario) Mabry, Sarah Lux, Corey Lux, Mindy (Brian) Kramme and Brandon (Jenny) Zabel; 24 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Verner Nelson Sr; and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, brother Kenny (Jane) Nelson; sister-in-law Donna Nelson; 5 brothers-in-law and 5 sisters-in-law.

Funeral services for Betty will be Friday, June 21, 2024, at 10:30 AM, at Orchard Hill Church, 3900 Orchard Drive, Cedar Falls, with visitation Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 4-7 PM at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, and an hour prior to the service. Burial at Garden of Memories Cemetery will follow the funeral. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com. Memorial contributions should be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice or Connect and Care Ministry at Orchard Hill Church.