Betty Drew

Betty Drew, age 92, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Aase Haugen.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Helms Funeral Home, 306 E. Water Street, Decorah, IA, with Pastor David Severtson presiding. Burial will follow at Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Helms Funeral Home.

Betty Jean (Meyer) Drew was born on December 14, 1932, in Charles City, Iowa. She was a person whose kindness came naturally—always ready with a warm smile. Life handed her more than her fair share of challenges, but Betty faced them with quiet strength and unwavering determination. After losing her husband, Dick, in 1964, she was left to raise six children—ranging in age from just six months to eight years old—on her own. It wasn’t easy, but Betty met each day with grace and resilience. She worked two jobs to support her family, cleaning a dental office twice a week in the evenings after full days at Luther College’s Preus Library. Betty always shared stories of working with and for Luther students; they, too, were a special part of her life.

A proud member of the frugal “Greatest Generation,” Betty knew how to make do, stretch a dollar, and take care of what she had. She found joy in simple things and took pride in providing a home for her family—even if the house was often a little lived-in, except for the pristine “Living Room,” which remained off-limits to kids unless it was Christmas or a special occasion.

Church was a central part of Betty’s life—more than just a place of worship, it was her spiritual foundation and a community she held dear. From regular services to Circle and church events, her faith gave her strength, connection, and comfort throughout her life. Saturday church was followed up by dinner at The Family Table for conversation about the latest happenings in Decorah.

Surviving her are children, Deb Ringoen of Cresco, Kathy Hill (Tom) of Cresco, David (Rachael) of Birchwood, MN, Scott (Renelle) of Spring Valley, MN, Greg (Barb) of Decorah, Denise of Fountain, MN., and brother-in-law John (Dotty) Drew of Lansing, IA. She is survived by 18 grandchildren, excluding spouses, 25 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Ruth Meyer, in-laws Walter and Blanche Drew, husband Richard, brother Dar Meyer, and son in-law Dale Ringoen.