Betty Van Maanen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, at the Oskaloosa Care Center. She was born on April 14, 1930, in Leighton, Iowa, to her loving parents, Henry M. Rempe and Dena Van Engelenhoven.

Betty's life was marked by dedication to her family and community. On December 27, 1950, she married Kenneth Van Maanen in a ceremony held at the Ebenezer Reformed Church in Leighton, Iowa. Together, they enjoyed a rich and fulfilling marriage that lasted for 73 years, anchored in love and mutual respect.

As a devoted housewife and farmer's wife, Betty found joy in raising her family. Once her youngest son left home, she stepped into a new chapter of life, working as a substitute teacher at the Christian Opportunity Center. Education was important to her, and she had graduated from Pella High School in 1948, having attended Leighton grade school through the 8th grade.

A woman of faith, Betty took great pleasure in her involvement with music at the Ebenezer Church, where she participated in the Lydia and Dorcas Circles. She was also an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and volunteered often at Bibles for Missions Thrift Center, contributing her time and talents to the organizations and her community.

Betty will be deeply missed and cherished by her family, which includes her children and their families: Larry Van Maanen (Jan Squibb) with grandchildren Amanda Franje (Nathan) and Sarah Hartson (Jeremy); Jeff Van Maanen (Kris Vandenberg), with grandchildren Carrie Ross (Perry), Ryan Van Maanen (Amy), and Matthew Van Maanen (Heidi); and Keith Van Maanen (Jan Falberg) with grandchildren Katrina (Parker Roberts), Kenny Van Maanen (Emily Hanlon), and Erik Stephenson (Amy Forand). Each of her grandchildren brought joy to her life, and she cherished her role as their grandmother.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth, her father Henry Rempe, her mother Dena Rempe, her sister Clarice Roozeboom Steenhoek, her brother Henry Rempe, her parents-in-law Charles and Elizabeth Van Maanen, and her sisters-in-law Junella Conrad, Bernice Van Maanen, and Charlotte Drost.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, and a commitment to family that will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. Betty Van Maanen's spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her as they reflect on her extraordinary life.

Those left to cherish her memory:

Larry (Jan Squibb) Van Maanen

   Amanda (Nathan) Franje

      Sean, Elisha, Jed, Aaliyah, Rhema

   Sarah (Jeremy) Hartson

      Taylor Hartson (Leigh Peterson)

      Jacob (Mallory) Hartson

      Hope, Judah, Selah

Jeff (Kris Vandenberg) Van Maanen

   Carrie (Perry) Ross

      Andersen, Copelyn

     Ryan (Amy) Van Maanen

      Alyvia, Josiah, Miley, Truett

   Matthew (Heidi Miksch) Van Maanen

      Ethan, Nolan, Quinn, Ronan, Lena

Keith (Jan Falberg) Van Maanen

   Katrina (Parker) Roberts

      Pierce

   Kenny Van Maanen and Emily Hanlon

   Erik Stephenson and Amy Forand

Memorials may be given to Ebenezer Church or Legacy Thrift (Bibles for Missions).