Joana Bettis

Joana Marie Bettis, 90, of Motley, arrived in Heaven January 11, 2026, while at  Lakewood Health System Hospital in Staples. 

Services were held January 15, at the Motley Free Methodist Church in Motley, with Pastor Jim Johnson officiating. 

Interment was at Motley Public Cemetery in Motley.

Joana was born September 12, 1935 to Ernest and Edith (Shockey) Nickell in Dixon, Illinois. She was united in marriage to Stanley Bettis on November 22, 1953 in Lineville, Iowa. 

Joana cherished her life on the farm and found great joy in baking, cooking, decorating and home interiors. She enjoyed her time with Avon and selling Longaberger baskets. Above all, Joana treasured spending time with her family, who were the center of her world.

Joana is survived by two sons, Mark (Sue) Bettis and Kirk (Anita) Bettis; one daughter, Tonya (Terry) Carlson; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and extended family members who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Stanley and one brother, Jay Nickell.

“A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Lakewood.”

Arrangements were by Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples.

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