Joana Bettis

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

Services for Joana will be held at 11:00 a.m, Thursday January 15, at the Motley Free Methodist Church in Motley, with Pastor Jim Johnson officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., January 14 at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Staples and one hour prior to services at the church. 

Interment will be 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 her children, Mark (Sue) Bettis, Kirk (Anita) Bettis, and Tonya (Terry) Carlson; eight grandchildren; thirteen 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 are by Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples.

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