Betty L. Newkirk, 92, of Dallas City, Illinois passed away at 12:04 a.m. Thursday, January 30, 2025 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, Fort Madison, Iowa, surrounded by her family.
She was born on January 27, 1933 in Alexis, Illinois to Fred and Louella Bivans Needham. She married young and divorced nine years later. Betty then met Howard N. Newkirk who was the love of her life. They married in July 1961. He passed away December 31, 2008. Betty and Howard loved to travel in their motorhome, ride their motorcycles, and belonged to local camping clubs with their friends.
Betty worked at IAAP for several years and then as a production supervisor at Sheaffer Pen until her retirement in 1992 . She was a volunteer for RSVP of West Central Illinois. She claims one of her favorite accomplishments was learning to line dance with the Newberry Center Silver Steppers senior group and “dancing out” with them for the past several years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, 2 sisters and 1 brother.
Betty is survived by 2 daughters, Shirley (David) Kramer of Fort Madison, Iowa and Cheryl (Darrell) Vaughn of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and 3 sons, Delbert Nelson of Sebring, Florida, John Newkirk and Fred Newkirk, both of Fort Madison, 11 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and 1 sister, Jackie White of Prescott, Arizona.
The family will meet with friends Monday, February 3, 2025 from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City, as they say their final good-byes. Services will begin at 3:00p.m. with Scott Gruening officiating.
As per her wishes cremation will be accorded following the services. Burial will be held at a later date in the Harris Cemetery near Dallas City.
In lieu of flowers, Betty would like all donations dedicated to the PAWS animal shelter in honor of all the cats she has loved over the years. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit Betty’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
