Elizabeth “Betty” A. Mell, 86 of Hudson, Iowa, died at the Rosewood Estate of Friendship Village, Waterloo on Sunday, February 7, 2016 of natural causes.

She was born on August 17, 1929, in Pocahontas, Iowa, the daughter of Oscar and Mary Ellen “Mayme” Sinnett Johnston and graduated from Pocahontas High School.

Betty married Jack Mell June 1, 1947, in Fairmont, Minnesota. He died November 18, 1990.

She was a secretary at Rath Packing for 30 years as well as to George Strayer at the Hudson Soybean Assoc.

Betty was a member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Hudson. She belonged to the Bridge 500 card clubs in Hudson. Betty was involved in establishing and then coached the first girls’ softball team in Hudson for many years.

She is survived by her three daughters: Pam (Pat) Staley of Marion, Iowa, Pat Davis of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Cheri (Gary) Lehr of Hudson; 9 grandchildren: Brittany Lehr, Brandon (Tammy) Lehr, Jeremiah (Jennifer) Lehr, Lacy Davis, Whitney (Jessica) Davis, Chris (Tracy) Hobson, Brock (Lisa) Staley, Caleb Staley, and Brian (Darcy) Smith; several great grandchildren; and a brother, Dale Johnston of Pocahontas, Iowa.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister, Ruth Crotty.