Betty Lou Rickwa Widner

Betty Rickwa Widner, 89, of Sioux City, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2022.

A memorial service will be at 12:00 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2022, at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Betty, the daughter of Edward and Leona (Munz) Stender, was born July 31, 1932. She was one of six children, growing up in Onawa.

On January 12, 1952, she married John J. Rickwa. To this union three daughters were born, Vanna, Sharon, and Lori. The couple were married for 29 years until John’s passing in 1981.

On February 11, 1983, she married Vernon Widner. The couple were married for 22 years until Vernon’s passing in 2005.

Betty was a homemaker for most of her life. When she did work, she really enjoyed being Children’s Hostess at Bishop’s Cafeteria for many years. Betty will be remembered as a very loving and generous mother and always placed her children first. Her grandchildren gave her great joy.

She is survived by her children, Vanna Rickwa, Sharon (Cary) Godfrey, Lori (Michael) Mehlhaff, William (Barbara) Widner, Verna Bennett; grandchildren, Wade (Char) Stoos, John (Teri) Stoos, Jennifer Petersen, Jillian (Allen) Leekley, Joseph (Paige) Mehlhaff, Daniel (Lindy) Bennett, Jeremy Bennett, Austin Godfrey and Dillon Godfrey; great-grandchildren, Kenzie, Karlie, Gavin, Isabella, and Frankie Stoos, Kaden Walker, Lakin Leekley, Ellie and Noah Petersen, Oliver Mehlhaff, Darren (Mariah) Clausen, Kindra Westhoff, Kelsey Clausen; great-great grandchildren, Jozlynn and Hazel Thompson, Braylon Clausen, Paisley and Dawson Westhoff; brother, Roger (Betty) Stender, and many nieces and nephews.