Obituary of Betty Raveling

Memorial Tribute Betty Lou Raveling, formerly of Melvin, IA, passed from this life on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at Prairie View Home in Sanborn, IA. She was born on June 13, 1926 at the family farm north of Melvin to Herman and Emma (Recher) Huck. She was baptized in St. John's Lutheran Church in May City, IA on July 4, 1926, and confirmed at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin on March 17, 1940. Betty spent her youth on the family farm with her parents and five sisters, attending school in the town of Melvin; graduating from Melvin High School in 1943. In the fall of 1944, Betty made her first trip away from home. She traveled by train to Joliet, IL where she worked in a defense plant for nine months during World War II. Upon returning to Iowa, she found employment at the telephone office at Sibley, IA and began dating her future husband. On May 18, 1947, Lloyd “Rip” Raveling and Betty Huck were united in marriage at the American Lutheran Church in Melvin following the morning services. They made their first home on the west edge of Melvin in a house that Betty's Grandfather Huck had built. In March of 1949, they moved to the Dunkleman farm, located 1 mile east and ½ mile north of Melvin where they farmed together for the next 20 years. It was here they raised their three sons and watched them grow; showing 4-H calves and enjoying camping trips and fishing. Betty also enjoyed being outdoors tending her beautiful flower garden. In 1964, she began working at the Melvin School in the hot lunch program. Rip and Betty retired from farming and moved in to the town of Melvin in 1969. Betty enjoyed town life, working at the library, reading, playing bridge, entertaining friends, bowling and still working in her flower beds. She especially enjoyed making arrangements for her dining room table as well as taking entries to the county fair. It was only natural when she joined the Cloverdale Garden Club. Visits from grandchildren and fishing trips were considered a highlight. As content as she was living in Melvin, Betty was always ready to see some new sights. She and Rip did a lot of traveling together around the states by car or bus, and Betty had the opportunity to tour Europe in 1978. In September of 2012, Lloyd and Betty moved to Prairie View Manor in Sanborn. She still enjoyed playing cards as often as possible. Soon health issues dictated a move to Prairie View Home, where she passed away on Tuesday at the age of 90. She is survived by three sons: Doug (Dianne) of Cloverdale, IA, Mark of Longville, MN, and Bruce (Lori) of Melvin; 7 grandchildren: Shane (Emily) Raveling, Jay Raveling, Heather Raveling, Rachel (Mike) Neldner, Ryan (Angie) Raveling, Michael (Bridget) Raveling, and Brennan Raveling; 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Mavis Johnson and Barbara Ostby; other relatives and many friends. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; her grandson, Travis Raveling; her parents; sisters: Peggy Pyle, Mary Ann Petersen, and Elaine Huck; mother and father-in-law; and several brothers and sisters-in-law. Celebration of Life Betty L. Raveling Born ~ June 13, 1926 Died ~ October 25, 2016 Age ~ 90 years 4 months 12 days MEMORIAL SERVICE Friday, October 28, 2016 2:00 p.m. American Lutheran Church Melvin, Iowa Clergy ~ Pastor Judy Johnson Organist ~ Fay Schall Congregational Singing "Lift High the Cross" "In The Garden" "When Peace Like A River" "God Be With You" "The Lord's Prayer" Pallbearers Shane Raveling Jay Raveling Heather Raveling Rachel Neldner Ryan Raveling Michael Raveling Brennan Raveling Interment Baker Township Cemetery Melvin, Iowa