Betty Jean Anderson

Our beloved aunt, Betty Jean Anderson, passed away on January 10, 2026, at Cedar Manor Nursing Home in Tipton, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. She was 97. As per her wishes, she was cremated.

Born on May 2, 1928, to Fred E. and Ethel M. (Motz) Achey in rural Cedar County, she was the second of seven children. She was educated in rural schools and graduated from Tipton High School, Class of 1946. On August 23, 1947, she married Sherman L. Anderson at South Bethel Church.

Betty grew up in two three‑generational households — with the Achey family and with Esther and Oscar Nebergall, her aunt and uncle. There was always a “Granny” or two and/or a “Grandad” to help take care of, as well as her younger siblings. She was a caring, compassionate person her whole life, always giving to family and friends. She loved her home, her family, and her flowers. She will be truly missed.

She is survived by her two sisters, Marily Smith and Carol (“Jack”) Grage; two sisters‑in‑law, Mary Achey and Barbara Lenker; special niece Barbara J. Smith Haynes (Allan); and her son, Matthew R. Smith (Nicki Hanon).

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her siblings and their spouses: Marjorie and Paul Shultz, Doris and Russell Anderson, Richard D. Smith, Phyllis and Rex Rickels, and Gerald “Jake” Achey.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Memorials in Betty’s name may be written to Cedar Manor Nursing Home or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Betty in the spring.