Elizabeth ‘Bettie’ Babinski Huntley passed away on July 15, 2023, at Westview Care Center, Britt, Iowa; surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
A memorial mass will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday July 21, 2023, at St Patrick Catholic Church, 1001 9th Ave. South, Clear Lake, Iowa, with Reverend Josh Link officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the Salvation Army in Bettie’s memory.
Bettie was born on December 15, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, to Sylvester and Florence Babinski. She was raised in Warsaw, North Dakota, and graduated from Drayton High School, in Drayton, North Dakota in 1955.
On January 12, 1957, she was joined in marriage with Thomas Anthony. Bettie and Tom raised a family of five children, residing in Grand Forks, ND, Marshalltown, Dubuque, Davenport, before settling in Mason City, Iowa in 1961. Bettie cheered on Thomas as his radio career blossomed. Following the dissolution of her marriage, Bettie met Ken Huntley and in 1997 they were joined in matrimony. They shared a mutual love of a lifetime and were inseparable.
In the early 1970’s, Bettie began a successful career with Luzier Cosmetics where she consistently exceeded sales goals. Bettie later created and operated an interior design business serving the Mason City area before becoming cosmetics department manager with Walgreens followed by recruiting truck drivers and heavy equipment operators. She founded Midland Nanny, a national nanny placement business. She retired in 2002, residing in Clear Lake, Iowa.
Bettie is a well-known for her incredible homemade cinnamon rolls, mountain cake, lemon, and chocolate meringue pies. Her decorating and designer touch lived on as she refurbished three homes with Ken. Bettie delighted in spending time with family and friends. She was a faithful member of her card club for over 50 plus years and a devout catholic and member of St Patrick’s Church in Clear Lake.
Bettie and Ken enjoyed travel to Mexico, England, France, Aruba, Hawaii, and across the United States. And for fifteen years they wintered in Reddington Shores, Florida where they met and developed lifelong friendships. In 2016 she was named the Shore Mariner shuffleboard champion. Bettie began each morning with a beautiful smile that will stay in our hearts forever.
Bettie is survived by her husband of 37 years, Ken Huntley, son Mitchell (Debbie) of Rochester, MN., daughter Charlene Gieseman of St. Louis, Missouri, daughter Colleen Goddard (Randy) of Urbandale, Iowa, son Mark (Angelique) of Golden Valley, MN, stepson Dan Huntley (Lori) of Carrollton, TX, and stepdaughter Wendy (John) Yanney of Grand Prairie, TX. She is also survived by her sister Jeannine (Daryl) Loe of Manvel, ND, sister-in-law Gloria Huntley of Indianola, IA, brother-in-law Jon Vik of Crookston, MN, brother-in-law Wayne (Marge) Huntley of Clear Lake along with sixteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
Preceding Bettie in death are her parents, Sylvester and Florence Babinksi, her daughter Charmaine, her brother Aaron, sister Clarice and brothers- in-law Keith and Ron Huntley.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. 641-357-2193, www.colonialchapels.com
