Betty Lou Dirks June 13, 1935 – May 12, 2020

      Betty Lou Dirks age 84, of Monticello, died peacefully, Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids following a brief illness.
Private Family services were held Friday, May 15, 2020 at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church with interment in Wayne Zion Cemetery. Pastor Wade Reddy officiated at the services. Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello has taken Betty and her family into their care. Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com where you can sign her guest book. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Wayne Zion Lutheran Church, St. Luke's Hospice or the Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

      Surviving are, four children, Kevin (Michele) of Shawnee, Kan, Karen (Gary) Nelson of Cedar Falls, Kraig (Gina) and Keith (Cheryl) of Monticello, 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, eight siblings, Nancy Weers, Joyce (Leonard) Stutt, Glenda (Duane) Grant, Donald (Kathleen) Barnes, Kathy (Carl) Clang, Edwin (Nancy) Barnes, Suzanne (Carl) Offerman, and Gary (Kris) Barnes. She was preceded in death by her parents and step-father Joe Wright and her husband Gerald in 2011.

      Betty Lou Barnes was born June 13, 1935 on the family farm in Linn County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Earl and Melvie Pavin, Barnes. She received her education in the Central City Schools graduating in 1953. Betty Lou Barnes and Gerald W. Dirks were married on Dec. 24, 1952 at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church. The couple farmed for a brief time in Castle Grove Township before returning to farm in Wayne Township. They retired from active farming in 1990 and the couple moved to Monticello in 1998. Betty enjoyed driving a Monticello Community school bus for many years. She was member of Wayne Zion Lutheran Church where she was baptized on Oct. 3, 1952 and confirmed her faith Oct. 5, 1952. Betty enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing and gardening.