Betty Jean (Meier) Szawiel
Betty Jean (Meier) Szawiel 94, of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away
on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Lewis County Nursing Home in Canton Missouri.
She was born in rural Kahoka, Mo, on July 21,1930 the daughter of Herman and Ella (Cameron) Meier.
Betty graduated from Kahoka High School, the Class of 1947.
Immediately after High School, Betty moved to Keokuk and worked as a nurses aide at St Joseph Hospital. It was there she met Feliks Szawiel.
She married Feliks on December 26, 1950.
In 1956 Feliks started this own brick, stone and cement business, “Szawiel Masonry.” Betty worked for that company for almost 40 years as a secretary and bookkeeper. Feliks proceeded her in death on November 15, 1984.
Betty never knew retirement. Even in her 80’s she enjoyed having garage sales and spending time visiting with those who stopped by. She enjoyed cooking, canning and baking. She could make an apple pie with the flakiest crust, ever. She helped many people in town with alterations. She was very precise with every stitch.
Betty enjoyed collecting and displaying “chickens”, given to her by friends and family.
Anything from salt and pepper shakers to cookie jars and potholders to wall hangings.
For many years, Betty volunteered at Wells Carey School as a reading mentor and also served as a clerk at election polling places.
Betty is survived by one son, Edward (Karen) Szawiel of Keokuk, one grandson, Harry (Amie) Whiteside, four granddaughters, Cynthia Stephens, Bethany Haage, Emilee (Eric) McElroy), and Carly (Arjay) Vander Velden, ten great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, and one brother Calvin Meier of Kahoka, MO.
Besides her husband, she was proceeded in death by her parents, a step mother, Mary Etta Fetter, one son, William, in infancy, one daughter Barbara Wanizoski, one son and his wife, Robert and Linda Szawiel, one grandson, Jeffrey Lee Szawiel, in infancy, one great grandson, Andy Duane Whiteside in infancy, one sister, Rowena Meier and a sister-in-law Haydee Meier.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Printy Funeral Home, 917 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, Iowa, with Pastor Terry Massey officiating. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk. Visitation will be on Friday, August 1, from 9:30 am until 11:00 am directly before the service.
Memorials may be made to the Lewis County Nursing Home Activity Fund, PO Box 266, Canton, MO 63435.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.
Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.
