Bette Wilson

Bette Wilson, age 92, of Nevada, formerly of Laurel, passed away on Friday, April 3rd, in the care of the Iowa River Hospice home with family at her side.

Born on December 19th, 1933, in Hawarden, Iowa, she was one of five daughters born to Raymond and Opal (Green) Waterman. When Bette was 16 years of age, her family moved to Laurel.

She was employed for several years in food service at the Iowa Veterans Home, Taylor’s Maid Rite and at McDonald’s as a manager, until her retirement in 1993. She was a faithful member of the Laurel Community Church.

Bette was united in marriage to James Shively and he preceded her in death. To this union, six children were born.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: James (Maren) Shively, Debbie (Chris) Ribby, Steven Shively, Craig (Leann) Shively, Susan (Dan) Alman and Michael “Scott” Shively; 16 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren compose her legacy as do two sisters- Patty DeGraw and Sharon Schnathorst as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In death, she rejoined her parents; her beloved husband James Shively; her granddaughter Amber Shively; and sisters Donna Sietmann and Shirley Quinn.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Bette’s funeral service has been scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026 starting at 11:00 A.M. at Laurel Community Church. Pastor Matt Hansen will be officiating. She will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family for a later designation. To leave online condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.