Elizabeth Carlson
August 22, 1923 ~ July 2, 2010
Elizabeth 'Betty' Anna (Lekin) Carlson, 86, of Walker, died Friday, July 02, 2010, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids. There will be no public visitation or services. Arrangements by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. She is survived by a son, Edd (Peggy) Carlson Jr., of Cedar Rapids; and four daughters, Vellie (Larry) Goodman of Millersburg, Cynthia (Steve) Holub of Delmar, LuAnn (Pat) Benesh of Walker, and Sara (Bryan) Doyl of Walker; 15 grandchildren; and 21 great grandchildren. Betty was born August 22, 1923, in Parnell, Iowa, the daughter of Thomas and Violet (Van Dyke) Lekin. She married Edd Carlson, Sr. on August 29, 1941, in Missouri. He died in 1978. Grandma 'Itty Bitty' as she was known, was a generous and caring woman who enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren and their activities. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan who enjoyed sports and watching Wheel of Fortune with her grandson. Betty loved her morning coffee and phone conversations and often thought of her son David, who passed away last year. She was a member of the American Legion #376 Ladies Auxiliary Ray Unit. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edd and her son, David. The family extends a special thank you to the staff at St. Luke's Hospice and Paliative Care and Northbrook Manor Care Center for the compassionate care of Betty, and also to her many dear friends for their loving support.
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On Thursday of this week I was quite sure mom was not going to be with us much longer. Early that morning I dreamt I was struggling through the Lord’s Prayer and others at moms bedside.
Today when mom passed I was by her side just as I had dreamed and I wanted to pray, only Pat, Lu, and Sara were also with me. It was a very healing experience for all of us-Love you mom, Eddie and Peggy
Wednesday I received a phone call from dad. I understood that I was grateful that I was able to spend time with “grandma” last summer. I enjoyed our conversation while drinking some folgers. I understood then what was important in her life. Her living room and refrigerator were filled with pictures of all her grand children. I asked her what the secret to her longevity was and she said “coffee in moderation daily.” I would like to thank hospice and family and friends that cared for her.
So sorry to hear about your loss. God bless you and be with you in your grief.
So sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you.
Shawn & April Hocken
I have fond memories of visits to Grandma at the farm. The peacock greeted us in the driveway, and Grandma offered us candy, and the chance to play the piano. Grandma was always patient with us.
I miss her, and my thoughts are with the family. I thank all those who took care of Grandma, especially during these past few years.
Love, Monica
Dear Vellie and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your mother as always being happy and chuckling. We had many good times at your farm.
Your friend always,
Rosemary
Through the last two weeks while Mom was in the hospital we all had a chance to talk with her and always say our “Goodbyes” each time we left her. She knew she had a loving family that loved her dearly. She will be missed so much. Sara and family
LuAnn & Pat, So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. It’s never easy to lose a loved one. Know you’re in our thoughts & prayers.
Lori & Mike
Sara, Bryan and girls: So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. You are in my prayers eand I wish you peace. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you. God’s peace….Cathy
I am so thankful to have shared so many wonderful memories with Grandma Itty Bitty-from melted chocolate donuts every morning while her and mom shared coffee, to teaching me how to play piano, and eventually how to sew. She was always happy to take me to school when I missed the bus, and hem my dance outfits as I was always too short for them 🙂 Above all she was always proud of me. And also of Daniel being a Hawkeye-she bragged about him to her nurses quite often!
My thoughts are with the rest of the family. Focus on the memories she gave us. We will all miss her very much! ♥
My mom was one of the strongest women i know, from the time she had her first stroke until the end she kept a strong will. When I would leave the hospitol I would say get better and to eat all she could, she would always reply, Im trying. Miss you mom
I remember Grandma joining us for the Best of the Class celebration at Hancher. She had her picture with president of UIowa, Mary Sue Coleman, at the time and she was glowing that day.
I wish peace and healing for all those experiencing loss at this time.
~Catherine, Matt, and Issabella
KIDS, I REMEMBER YOUR MOM AND DAD MOVING TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. JUST A MILE SOUTH OF US. THEY WERE GREAT PEOPLE AND WILL BE MISSED. THEY WERE GREAT NEIGHBORS AND GOOD FRIENDS OF MY FOLKS.
TAKE CARE AND KNOW THAT WE ARE THINKING OF YOU AT THIS TIME.
JIM AND SHARON PRICE