Betty Arlene Kirkhart, 94, of Cantril, IA passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family. She had been in hospice for a short time. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 3, 2023, at the Cranston-Pedrick Funeral Home in Keosauqua with Pastor Kevin Mote officiating. Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Cantril, IA immediately following the service. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at the Cranston-Pedrick Funeral Home. Memorial contributions in Betty’s honor may be directed to the Maple Grove Cemetery Association. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Betty Arlene Kirkhart was born on January 17, 1929, in Gary, IN to Chester R. and Anna Maye Volger Cazey. At an early age, they moved from Indiana to Farmington, IA where they remained. Betty graduated from Farmington High School. After graduation, Betty worked for Schaefer Pen. In 1951 on a blind date, Betty met Joe L. Kirkhart, and three months later they married and made their home on what is now the Kirkhart Century Farm, until Joe’s passing in March of 2011. Betty remained on the farm until her passing. Betty was a head cook at Fox Valley Elementary for thirteen years while also caring for her family. On October 8, 1952, Joe and Betty welcomed a baby boy, Roger A. Kirkhart. Sixteen months later they welcomed their baby girl, Joyce E. Kirkhart on January 23, 1954, and their family was complete.
Preceding her in death are her husband, her parents, two sisters, a brother-in-law, her in-laws, as well as one niece and one nephew.
Betty is survived by her children, Roger and Joyce; three grandchildren, Bryan Kirkhart, Joe (Kellie) Kirkhart, and Mindy Kirkhart; five great-grandchildren, Joshua, Bree, Colton, Mayci, and River, as well as many extended family and friends.
