Betty Lou Larsen

Betty Lou Larsen, age 85 of Elma, IA died Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 at Colonial Manor of Elma.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 11, 2025, at St. Paul's Lutheran Maple Leaf Church in Elma with Pastor Craig Moss officiating. Friends may greet the family from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 11, 2025, at the church in Elma.

Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Elma has been entrusted with arrangements.

Born on October 30, 1939, in Dane, Wisconsin, to Elmer and Ella (Hacker) Beuthin, Betty's early years were rooted in the values of faith and community. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church in her hometown, where she also pledged her love to Charles Larsen in matrimony on June 15, 1957.

Betty's formative years were spent in the idyllic countryside of Wisconsin, where she attended a local country school before graduating from Middleton High School in 1957. Her life on the farm with her parents was a chapter filled with simple joys and the close-knit bonds of family life. The union with Charles marked the beginning of a new journey, and together they were blessed with a loving family of four children: Steven, Debra, Constance, and Scott.

The year 1968 saw the Larsen family embark on a new adventure to Mesa, Arizona, where the sun shone bright on their dreams and aspirations. However, the call of home was strong, and in 1995, Betty and Charles returned to Elma, Iowa. There, Betty found joy in serving the community as a substitute in the cafeteria at Riceville Schools, and later, sharing her culinary talents as a cook at Elma Elementary.

Betty's zest for life was evident in her hobbies and interests. She was an ardent traveler, often found reveling in the musical delights of Branson or the exciting atmosphere of casinos. Her grandchildren's sporting events were a source of immense pride and joy, and she never missed a chance to cheer them on from the sidelines. Betty's love for polka music kept her toes tapping, and her devotion to Elvis Presley's tunes knew no bounds, even in her later years.

A faithful member of St. Paul's Maple Leaf Lutheran Church, Betty's commitment to her faith was unwavering. It informed her approach to life, her generosity of spirit, and her capacity to love unconditionally. Her infectious laughter and the twinkle in her eye will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Betty is survived by her sons Steve Larsen of Riceville and Scott Larsen of Riceville; daughters Deb (Jim) Krueger of Riceville and Connie (Russ) Reed of Mesa, Arizona; brother Dan (Lou) Beuthin of Cross Plains, WI; sisters Caroline Morrow and June Harrington of Dane, WI; grandchildren: Saxton, Chelsea, Alysha, Danielle, Chaz, Max, and Ryan; great-grandchildren: Chandler, Ayda, Braxen, Chester, and Dean; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Ella (Hacker) Beuthin; husband Charles Larsen; brothers Donald and Duane Beuthin; sisters Velma and Helen; and god son Troy Beuthin.

(641) 393-2461