Betty Jo Brooks

West Des Moines

Betty Jo Brooks, 92, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 21, 2015, with her son Dean at her bedside. She is survived by Dean (Mary Jankowski); grandsons Dan and Mike; step-granddaughter Emily; sister Jean Browneller and brother John (Donna) Nicholson, of Oskaloosa, Iowa; sister-in-law Virginia Van Arnan of North Bend, Oregon and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Jack, and her younger sister Lou Drane.

Betty was born the second daughter of Homer and Irma Nicholson and raised on the family farm near Oskaloosa—the “home place” that has been in the Nicholson family since 1864. Betty began her career as a school teacher in Keswick, Iowa in 1942, then married Jack and moved to the dairy farm south of Des Moines in 1943. She was a substitute teacher for the West Des Moines schools until Jack began an independent insurance agency in 1953. She worked with him in the agency and stayed in insurance until she retired.

She loved her family greatly and enjoyed having both family and friends in her home where she would cook wonderful meals for everyone, including all of Dean’s friends. She extended her kindness and generosity to anyone who visited.

Her family would like to express special thanks to the staff at Home Instead and to Suncrest Hospice, whose skillful care helped keep Mom in her home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to ASK Resource Center, 5665 Greendale Road, Suite D, Johnston, Iowa 50131 or The Alzheimer’s Association

Greater Iowa Chapter, 1730 28th St, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m.Thursday at McLaren’s Chapel with a graveside service immediately following at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines, Iowa.