Betty Lavonne Matthiesen

Betty LaVonne Matthiesen, the daughter of David and Esther (Todd) Averill, was born on February 1, 1931 at her uncle's farm in rural Spencer, IA. She spent most of her childhood years in and around Spencer. Betty left home at a young age and put herself through school working various jobs for families in Spencer, where her pay was sometimes room and board. She graduated from Spencer High School in 1950. Betty was an avid roller skater, which ultimately led her to meet her one true love and future husband. On September 16, 1951, she was united in marriage to Jack Matthiesen in Worthington, MN. They made their home in Spencer, where they welcomed four children: Rodney, Jerry, Marty and Becky. The family moved to an acreage in rural Spencer in 1966. Betty was then able to let her passion for flowers and gardening flourish. During those years she tried her hand at horseback riding and snowmobiling, but found she preferred to have both feet on the ground. She was a city girl, but would pitch in with the horse chores and once stayed up all night walking a colic-stricken horse while the family was all down with the flu. Betty was a devoted mother, dedicated wife and creative homemaker. She thrived on taking care of her home and family. Betty and Jack owned the Woodcliff Ballroom from 1974 through 1990. Although it was hard work, owning a dance hall allowed them to indulge in their love of dancing together at will. They also travelled and discovered a shared delight in motorcycle riding. Betty and Jack were blessed with three granddaughters, who were the light of their lives. Left to cherish her memory are son Rod Matthiesen of Rogers, MN and daughter Becky Matthiesen (Todd Gabel) of Charles City, IA; 3 granddaughters, Bree Matthiesen of Princeton, MN, Brook Matthiesen of Bloomington, MN and Brandie Schmock (Cal) of Princeton, MN; 5 great grandchildren: Skylar, Joshua, Kylee, Jack and Donald; 3 sisters: Beverly Zmich of DeLand, FL, Bertha Besaw of Spencer, IA and Dorothy Ross of Estherville, IA; daughter-in-law, Colleen Matthiesen of Zimmerman, MN and other beloved relatives and friends. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Jack in 1996, son, Jerry in 2008 and son, Marty in 2014; brothers: Harlan, Doug and David; sister, Delores and daughter-in-law, Cindy Matthiesen.

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