Obituary of Betheny Ann Buren

    Betheny Ann Buren, daughter of Jack L. Elgersma and Nancy K. Iverson, was born on November 8, 1972, in Sheldon, IA.

    She spent her youth in the Sanborn, IA area where she received her education, graduating from Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School with the class of 1991. Following graduation, she attended Northwest Community College in Sheldon earning her CNA certification.

    On Friday, August 14, 1992, Betheny was united in marriage to Brian John Buren at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sanborn. They were blessed with three children: Amber, Caleb, and Jenna.

    Along with taking care of her growing family and keeping their household running smoothly, Betheny was also employed with Groschopp for one and one-half years, and then with Carl Zeiss Vision for 22 years until the plant closure.

    Since her working years had kept her indoors for the most part, Betheny relished the time she could be outdoors. Camping became a favorite activity the whole family could enjoy. You really didn’t have to go all that far to find fresh air, sunshine, and a glowing campfire…making for many memorable times spent together. She also looked forward to getting together with friends over a glass or two of wine, just relaxing and catching up on each other’s lives. Her family and friends made her world complete, and she treasured each one of them, yet nothing could compare with cuddling and doting on her three grandchildren…soon to be five!

    Betheny had been a life-long member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sanborn, participating in various church related activities over the years.

    On Friday, January 3, 2025, she passed from this life at the age of 52 years. Preceding her were her grandparents: Martin and Darlene Kroese and Jake and Nellie Elgersma; father-in-law, Gerald Buren; uncles: Reggie Kroese, Pierson Elgersma; aunts: Janice Van Engen, Marlene Woudstra and Francise “Babe” Jacobsen.

    Keeping her memory close at heart are her husband, Brian Buren of Sanborn, IA; children: Amber (Chase) Vermeer and children, Huckson and Alivia all of Orange City, IA, Caleb (Shania) Buren and son, Bentlee of Marcus, IA, and Jenna Buren of Sanborn, IA; her father, Jack Elgersma and mother, Nancy (Keith) Iverson all of Sanborn, IA; brothers: Brent Elgersma (friend, Kelsey), Shane (Lanea) Elgersma; sister, Shannon (Brian) Letsche, mother-in-law, Karen Buren of Sanborn, IA; sister-in-law, Brenda (Mike) Alesch; brothers-in-law: Brad (Donna) Buren and Bruce (Julie) Buren; many nieces and nephews as well as a host of other relatives and dear friends.