Elizabeth Carol Nearhoof "Betty"

Betty Nearhoof was born Elizabeth Carol Ostien, on October 17, 1934 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to William John Ostien and Margaret Mehrenberg Ostien. They moved their family of five girls to the country and Betty worked as a gas station attendant and "soda jerk" during high school. She graduated from Warriors Mark High School in Pennsylvania in 1952. In September of 1953 she was united in marriage to Ramon Berkstresser and settled in Altoona, PA. The couple was blessed with four children, Robert, Debra, Betsy, and Mark. The family lived in Florida briefly until 1964 when Ramon passed away. Betty moved her family back to Pennsylvania where she worked to support her children. While working full time, Betty was still was very involved in all her children's activities. She was a Cub Scout leader, active in the PTA, served as band parent president, and taught Sunday School. Later, she married Rodney Nearhoof and moved her family to Iowa in June of 1975. She continued to be involved in her children's activities and hosted two Rotary International students. She volunteered and served in leadership roles with the Jefferson Blood Drive, Hospital Auxiliary, Greene County Fair, Jefferson Garden Club and Meals on Wheels. She earned a Master Gardener certification and loved gardening. Betty enjoyed playing cards, especially Canasta, and socializing with friends. Betty's faith was extremely important to her and she remained active in the Jefferson First United Methodist Church serving in the UMW, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, nursery care, and wedding and funeral coordination. She loved to travel all over the world, enjoying cruises from Alaska to the Amazon. Betty died at her home on June 21, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Ramon Berkstresser and Rodney Nearhoof, granddaughter Jennifer Mills Rodriguez, son-in-law Jeffrey Mills, stepsons Dennis and David Nearhoof, and three sisters, Doris Mytrysak, Ruth Jean Adams, and Katherine Stover. Betty is survived by her children, Robert Berkstresser (Shelley) of Shalimar, FL, Debra Mills of Benton, KY, Betsy Draper (Martin) of Sioux Falls, SD, and Mark Berkstresser of Murfreesboro, TN; ten grandchildren, Jerry Nearhoof, Jim Nearhoof, Andy Nearhoof, Brandon Mills, Robert Berkstresser, Carolyn Gilbertson, Leah Mergen, Alannah Berkstresser, Reed Berkstresser, and Alec Berkstresser; fourteen great-grandchildren; and sister Nancy Norris of Pennsylvania. Funeral Services were held 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 1, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson. Family visitation was from 9:45-10:30 AM. Rev. Heather Dorr provided words of comfort. Sheryl Sloan was the pianist. Gary Haupert was the soloist who sang "You'll Never Walk Alone." Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson was in charge of these arrangements. A fellowship meal was served immediately following the service. Interment will take place at a later date in Pennsylvania. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church Webb House in Jefferson. Previous Events Visitation JUL 1. 9:45 AM - 10:30 AM (CT) First United Methodist Church 307 S Wilson Street Jefferson, IA 50129 Funeral Service JUL 1. 10:30 AM (CT) First United Methodist Church 307 S Wilson Street Jefferson, IA 50129 Luncheon JUL 1. 11:30 AM (CT) First United Methodist Church 307 S Wilson Street Jefferson, IA 50129