Betty Jean Lister

Betty Jean Lister (Donnelly), daughter of Steve F. and Olga May (Streveler) Donnelly, was born on January 23, 1933, in Knoxville, Iowa.
Betty grew up surrounded by the charms of “Dog Patch” and “Skunk Holler,” sharing tales of working at “Pop” Dwigans' soda shop the Ra-O-La. After high school graduation, she moved to Des Moines, living at the Women’s Business Home and began working in medical underwriting at Bankers Life.

On March 12, 1960, Betty married her beloved husband, Jonathan (Bud) Lister, and together they made Ankeny their home, filling it with warmth and laughter. She had a gift for creating unforgettable moments, hosting family events and spending time with neighbors and friends, fondly referred to as the "front porch gang". Betty had an uncanny ability to be attuned to everything happening within her family, neighborhood, and community—so much so that her family would tease that, "She can hear a cat walk on carpet." Her wit made her an irreplaceable presence in the lives of those around her.

Being a grandmother brought Betty great joy. Her legendary sleepovers were marked by homemade breakfasts featuring hot chocolate, pancakes, and eggs that sparked good-humored debates between grandchildren about her culinary prowess, as the best or worst "cooker in the world". Whether finding dress up clothes at “Salvador’s” for costume adventures, recreating that classic Soda shop experience with malts made at her kitchen counter, or Summer trips to Whaley’s Resort in Minnesota, where fishing, camping, and an eagerly awaited end of trip fish fry and award ceremony cemented lifelong family memories.

At 92, Betty passed peacefully on May 9, 2025, surrounded by her devoted family. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, her husband Jonathan (Bud) Lister, and numerous cherished relatives. Betty leaves behind a legacy of enduring love, survived by her children—Lisa Livingston (Ray), Pat Lister (Laura), and Steve Lister (Kristen); her grandchildren, Ryan Lister; Jessica Wirtz (Jonathan); Austin Lister; Lexie Handy; Collin Lister; Eliza Lister; and her brother Steve Donnelly; as well as many nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

Family will greet guests on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 5p-7p at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines, followed by an 11am graveside service on Saturday, May 17, in Knoxville, Iowa, at Graceland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Betty.

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