Memorial
Betty Jean Raher, 89, completed her circle of life on October 22, 2020 following her stint with cancer.
Betty was born December 15, 1930 in Iowa City, Iowa to Harvey and Clarissa (Kesserling) Brenneman. Following the death of her parents, Betty was invited to join the family of Mr. & Mrs. NJ Peet and their daughter, Joan M. Smith.
Betty graduated from Iowa City High School and attended the University of Iowa to become a Radiology Technician, after which she worked in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids medical communities as an X-Ray Technician. Betty was united in marriage to TD Raher and had Becky before later divorcing. Betty then worked as a Medical Assistant for General Surgeons, and later Medical Associates until she retired in 1995.
Betty loved the outdoors, meticulously caring for her flower gardens and any wildlife that made her yard their home. Betty enjoyed all holidays, but Christmas was her favorite, her Christmas Village often stretching through two rooms of her house.
Betty had many friends, too many to mention here, and she wanted them all to know she held their friendships as very dear, but especially her BFF and travel buddy Marian Winkie, the famed “Lunch Bunch Girls”, the Winkie girls Susan (Chris) Sexton and Cyndy (Randy) Ward, and her Neighborhood Angels; Arlene, Bess, Brian, Melissa, Nicole, and Scott.
Beck and Bob thank the amazingly incredible staff at Hall-Perrine Cancer Center and Oldorf Hospice House.
Public Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 4, 2020 from 4-7 PM at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Due to COVID-19, social distancing will be practiced, and facemasks or shields is required.
The family invites visitors to help create a special bouquet in Betty’s honor by bringing a single long stem flower of their choice.
A private family funeral service will be held at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City, Iowa.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Becky Raher-Peery (Bob Peery), grandson Joel Peery, and extended family Dean (Mary) Smith.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, brother Orlin (OB) Brenneman, extended family Nick (Iris) Peet, Joan Smith, and her BFF Marian Winkie.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Heifer International via website
https://www.heifer.org/give/one-time.html.