Obituary of Betty Jean Irvine

Betty J. Irvine Newton Memorial Services for Betty, 88, formerly of Newton, will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton, who have been entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation with the family will be 10 a.m. until service time Tuesday. Burial will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Newton. Services conducted by Rev. Gary Marzolf, pastor of the First United Methodist Church. In LIEU of flowers: Memorials in Betty's name are being designated or to Hospice in Iowa City, IA. Betty Jean Irvine, 88, the daughter of Ichabod and Nell L. (Sergeant) Lamb, was born April 22, 1921 in Carlisle, IA, one of seven children. Her family moved to Havre, Montana for a job in a coal mine owned by her uncle, Clarence Sergeant. She attended school in Montana, returning to Iowa and attended Simpson College for several years. Betty was united in marriage with Dr. Robert D. Irvine, and they were longtime residents of Newton. She was active in the school system and was heavily involved in her husband's veterinary practice. They moved to Hawaii and then to Georgia, when Robert accepted a position with the Food and Drug Administration, returning to Iowa in 1977. She had lived in Kissimmee, FL after her husband death. Betty devoted her life to her husband, family and friends, and was an active member of the Elks, Order of the Eastern Star, Newton Country Club, First United Methodist Church, and for several years was Activity Director for Orange County Senior Citizens Council on Aging. She returned to Iowa in 2003. Betty died on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 10, 2009 at the Lone Tree Health Care Center in Lone Tree, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband Robert; a grandson John on Jan. 10, 2009; two brothers; and three sisters. Betty had a big heart and a warm smile. Those left to honor Betty's memory include her sons: Stephen (Madelyn) of Marshalltown, IA, Michael (Joan) of Silver Spring, MD; and Russell (Sandi) of Riverside, IA, her seven grandchildren; her nineteen great-grandchildren; a brother Richard Lamb of Colfax, IA; and her many friends.