Betty Anne Kubes was born Dec. 14, 1930, to Joseph and Mary E. Kubes in Crete.
She was raised on a dairy farm in rural Crete, where she learned the value of hard work by helping with milking. She graduated from Crete High School with the Class of 1948. After graduation, she worked at the Crete Hospital as an aide. She later moved to Lincoln, where she worked in the offices of Smith Dorsey Pharmaceuticals. During her time in Lincoln, her friend, Matilda Klasek, introduced her to her brother, Joseph A. Klasek, while attending a dance at the ZCBJ Lodge Tabor. On Nov. 10, 1953, Joe and Betty were united in marriage at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Lincoln. Joe and Betty moved to rural Western and farmed the Klasek family farm. Betty and Joe joyfully welcomed a son, Alan, and a daughter, Janice, into their family.
As the children grew up, Betty kept busy on the farm and with Grange, Better Homes Extension Club, and was an active member of the Western United Methodist Church. Following Joe's passing in 1986, Betty moved to Wilber. There, she worked for a time for the Saline County Assessor. She later lived in Lincoln, and then Humboldt. She spent her last year in Auburn at Long's Creek Assisted Living and her last days at Good Samaritan Society. Betty passed peacefully at Good Samaritan Society under the care of St. Croix hospice.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Joe; her sister and brother-in-law, Anne Marie and LaVerne “Red” Thompson; Joe's sisters and spouses, Olga and Dwaine Bruntz and Matilda and Leon Hesh. She is survived by her children, Alan (Danni) Klasek of Western, and Janice (Vince) Riley of Auburn; and grandchildren, Mark (Gretchen) Vestecka, Abigail Vestecka, Adrian Bird Harrah, Hunter Klasek, Bobby Harrah and Lily Harrah; great-grandchild, Abel Molt and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
The funeral service was Dec. 13. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.kunclfh.com.
