Betty L. Valez, age 81 of North Branch died on Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at her residence in North Branch following a relatively short illness.
Betty was born February 25, 1927 in Belle River Township, Douglas County, Minn. to Leo and Pauline (Glock) Alexander. Her family moved to Rochester where she graduated high school in 1945. She met her beloved husband Leo through Leo’s sister Jean who lived with Betty’s first cousin Florence Krause near Owatonna. They were married on May 24, 1947 and made their first home in Minneapolis. Later moving to Stacy and finally to North Branch in 1957. Betty and Leo established their family home and farm in North Branch. Some of her greatest joys were spending time with her step son Ronald who visited them on weekends and holidays. In 1954 they became parents of their daughter, Cheryl. In 1961 their son Daniel was born followed by Randal in 1964.
Betty worked in a variety of occupations during her life. she owned and operated with her husband, Leo’s Service and Small Engine enterprises. At various times she worked for Anna Maries restaurant in St. Paul, Western Electric and Maico, a hearing aid factory in Minneapolis and Swedo Universal in North Branch.
Betty is survived by her husband, Leo of 60 years; daughter, Cheryl (James) Arney and their daughter, Shannon of Lake Elmo; son, Daniel (Rozelia) and their child, Jay and stepson, Matthew (Brandy) Shultz of North Branch, son, Randal (Cindy) Valez of Columbia Heights and his daughter Rhonda (John) Boulette of Massachusetts and a son Derek in the Marines waiting for deployment. Brother, James Alexander of Oregon. She is also survived by many other loving family and friends.
Betty was a loving and devoted wife and mother, a true friend to all those whose lives she touched. She loved God and life and considered her primary blessing to be her family and friends. She was a woman of unbound energy and optimism who never stopped serving others. Betty was special and will be truly missed by all who loved her.
Funeral services were Monday, April 21 at North Branch United Methodist Church with Rev. Chris Kneen officiating. Music was provided by Cathie Hendren and Jon Ekstrom. Casketbearers were John Rindahl, John Olson, William Murray, Thomas Warneke, James Richter and Ronnie Bowman. Interment was at Carlos Prairie Cemetery in Carlos, Minn.
“They say that to love another person is to see the face of God. Surely God loved her...and surely she has seen the face of God and is with him now.”
Arrangements were under the direction of Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch.
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