Obituary of Betty L. Skaggs

Betty L. Skaggs, the daughter of Joseph Hiram Smith and Glennie Ellen Looker Smith was born January 4, 1934, in Owen, Clark County, Wisconsin.  Her family moved to Newton and Betty graduated from Newton Senior High School.   

Betty was married to Norman “Bud” Fifer who died in 1984.  She has been a resident of Newton since 1948, except for 4 years she lived at Lake Rathbun.  On April 19, 1986, in Newton, Betty was united in marriage to J. L. “Bud” Skaggs. 

Betty was an Elementary School Secretary for 20 years in Newton before retiring.  She was a member of the St. Luke United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Women of the Moose and Jasper County Piece Makers Quilters Guild.

Betty died at the Skiff Medical Center in Newton on Sunday, April 29, 2018.  Her body was donated to University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

A public visitation for Betty will be held from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.., Saturday, May 5, at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Newton.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; first husband Norman “Bud” Fifer, second husband J.L. “Bud” Skaggs, son Roger Fifer, and sisters Donna Trottier, Mary Ann Barrick, Blanche Fifer and Charlene Hemminger and brother Charles in infancy.

Those left to honor Betty’s memory include two step- sons Jeff Skaggs and Gary Skaggs, step-daughter Judith Burnham, daughter-in-law Deborah Fifer, one grandson Joshua and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Pence~Reese Funeral Home in Newton, has been entrusted with the arrangements.