Betty Jolly

Betty Jane Jolly, 95, went to be with her Heavenly Father on November 1, 2017, at Courtyard Estates in Pleasant Hill. Betty was born on July 13, 1922, to Fred and Frieda Hesseltine in Des Moines, Iowa. When she was one year old her mother died unexpectedly and she was raised by her mother’s parents. She had four aunts and two uncles who were like siblings to her.

In 1939, she met Laurence Jolly and they were married on February 21, 1941, and raised five children. They enjoyed 71 years together until Laurence passed in 2012. They were wonderful role models for what a loving Christian marriage looked like. She was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church for many years and most recently, Lutheran Church of the Cross in Altoona.

In 1975, she started her own in-home day care and took loving care of many children for 25 years. It started with grandkids and quickly grew. She had a special gift of caring for children. She was happiest when she had people to care for. She took many classes for childcare through Iowa State and Polk County Early Childhood Development.

She enjoyed family get-togethers, polka dancing, card games, camping, baking, traveling and celebrating every occasion. She was the most loving, gentle, giving, humble and strong woman and we will miss her so much.

She is survived by her children, Betty (Gene) Upstill of Gilbert, IA, Lauren (Al) Adams, Laurence Jr. (Gloria) Jolly, Janet (Tom) Stenger, Patricia (Don) Stromley, all of Des Moines, IA, 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, her beloved cat, Baby, half-brother, Lester Hesseltine of Adel, IA and brother-in-law, Fay Jolly of Des Moines, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Laurence and grandson, Alexander Jolly.

Special thanks to those who helped take care of her at Courtyard Estates and Care Initiatives Hospice.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, November 10th and funeral service at 10:30 a.m., with a lunch to follow, at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 1701 8th St SW, Altoona, IA 50009.

Memorials may be directed to Animal Rescue League or Lutheran Church of the Cross.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Print