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Photo of Mariel M. (Funte) Betts

Mariel M. (Funte) Betts

10/29/1939 - 5/28/2020


Obituary


Mariel M. (Funte) Betts, 80, of Clarion passed away Thursday, May 28, 2020 at Iowa Specialty Hospital in Clarion.

Funeral services for Mariel Betts will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 10:30 AM at the Clarion Church of Christ, 420 North Main Street in Clarion with Brother Bob Dishman officiating.

Visitation for Mariel will be held Monday, June 1, 2020 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 1801 Central Avenue East in Clarion. Those in attendance will be asked to follow social distancing guidelines and encouraged to wear a face covering. Due to the current guidelines, attendance may be limited.

Mariel was born October 29, 1939, to Glenn and Elva (Minnis) Funte in Riceville, Iowa. She was raised and educated in McIntire, Iowa graduating with the Class of 1957.

Mariel was united in marriage to Leon Betts on August 24, 1958, at the Methodist Church in McIntire. To this union, daughters Marilee and Colleen were born. The couple remained in McIntire for a few years before moving to Cedar Falls. They moved to Clarion in 1965, making this community their home ever since.

Mariel worked as a C.N.A. and cook at the Clarion Care Center and hospital for several years before working as a baker at Clarion schools for 18 years. She worked as a waitress, in daycare and rode alongside Leon over the road for a number of years.

Mariel was a talented seamstress, making clothing for her family, including prom and wedding dresses for her daughters. She also embroidered outfits and tablecloths as gifts for family and friends.

Mariel was a longtime member of the Clarion Church of Christ. She was known for being a servant to her church family, serving countless funeral lunches over the years. She preferred working in the background taking care of details rather than seeking attention for herself.

Mariel is survived by her husband Leon, of Clarion; daughters Marilee “Dolly” Betts of Spencer and Colleen “Sissy” (Terry) Hinkel of Clarion; grandson Joshua (Megan) Martin and their children Wyatt and Ziva, all of Spencer; sisters Glenda Harms of Osage and Kris (Steve) Larson of Phoenix, Arizona; sister-in-law Linda Funte of Clarion; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Mariel was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Eldon “Butch” Funte.