Betty Lou Molyneux

Betty Lou Augustine Molyneux was born July 28, 1927, at the Mahaska County Hospital to Harold and Mary Vail Augustine. She was surrounded by her family when she went to be with her Lord, April 20, 2016, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa because of a heart condition. She was 88 years, 8 months and 23 days of age. As a youngster, Betty rode her pony, Buster, to attend Ray Country School. She graduated from Lacey High School with the class of 1945. She was a guard on the Lacey H.S. Girls’ Basketball Team that played in a state tournament. Following her education, she received her Normal Training at Central College in Pella. She then taught in Mahaska County rural schools and later attended William Penn College and received her teaching certificate. Betty married her sweetheart, Marvin Eugene Molyneux, at her family’s home in Monroe Township, December 22, 1946. Their dream was to purchase and work their own farm. Their legacy was realized in March 1947, when they purchased and moved to their own family farm, also in Monroe Township. They remained on the farm until 1993, at which time they moved to Oskaloosa. She was a devoted member of the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa. She was a member of the Ruth Group, was a former C.W.F. President, she was on the committee that remodeled the sanctuary and was currently an Elder Emeritus. Betty served as president of the PTA, and through the years was active in Oskaloosa Women’s Club, neighborhood club, bowling league, the MHP Hospital Auxiliary, Prairie Knolls Country Club, and King’s Daughters. Betty was a member of Weight Watchers and served as a leader in Oskaloosa and the surrounding communities for twelve years. Betty had been involved in 4-H as a leader and received the Mahaska County 4-H Alumni Award. Betty and Marvin were crowned the Southern Iowa Fair Queen and King in 1999. In 1994, Betty and Marvin began serving as escorts for bus trips across the U.S. and enjoyed traveling to many interesting locations in their retirement years. As her health began to decline, Betty moved to Homestead of Oskaloosa, and later, to Northern Mahaska Specialty Care, and finally, to MHP Hospice Serenity House. Betty was a classy, dignified woman, who graciously touched many lives throughout her years. Her family includes her husband of 69 years, Marvin, her children and their spouses: Mary and Michael Sexton of Rose Hill and Dennis and Jone Molyneux of Rose Hill; granddaughters: Devan Lamberson and friend, BG DeGeest of Rose Hill and Sarah and Russell Huddleston of Oklahoma City; and three great-grandchildren: Cauyer Lamberson, Tieron Lamberson, Aubrey Huddleston and baby boy Huddleston, soon to arrive. She is also survived by brothers-in-law: Donald (LaVerne) Molyneux of Thiensville, WI and Milo Luers of Washington, IA; and sisters-in-law: Wilma Hudson, Icel Molyneux and Betty Augustine, all of Oskaloosa. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law, Gertrude and Albert Molyneux; a brother, Charles Augustine; brothers-in-law: Cleo Molyneux, Jack Hudson, and Kenny Molyneux; and sisters-in-law: Betty Luers and Louise Molyneux Boender.

Betty Lou Molyneux

July 28, 1927 - April 20, 2016