Memorial

Betty Jane Abernathy, 94, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died on Friday, March 8, 2019 at her home of natural causes.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 13th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 14th at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories officiated Rev. David Renfro.  Burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Betty is survived by her children, Terry (Patti) Drexler; Debbie (Bob) Wernimont; Sonny Drexler all of Cedar Rapids, IA; Mary Abernathy of San Francisco CA; and Ann (Tarryl) Bockelman of North Liberty, IA; 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Abernathy;  two infant children, Connie and Rodney Drexler; three sisters, Ellen Comried, Myrtle “Babe” Yardley and Darlene Kerr; four brothers, Chuck, Bob, Don and Russell Moss.  

Betty Jane Abernathy was born February 27, 1925 in Eldora, Iowa the daughter of Charles and Olive (Miner) Moss.  She married Merle Drexler and they later divorced.  Betty worked as a secretary at AW Schmidt.  She was united in marriage to Robert Abernathy on June 10, 1965 in Cedar Rapids.  After Betty retired, she sold Brookfield Uniforms with Robert. They shared 43 wonderful years of marriage together.  Betty was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Women’s Auxiliary, VFW Post 788, Cedar Rapids Postal Women’s Auxiliary and the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary.

Betty enjoyed camping, dancing, cooking, going to the casino and especially loved spending time with her beloved family.  Family times were very meaningful to Betty. She will always be remembered around the holidays because her holiday feasts were amazing.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.