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After a full and active 93 years, Betty Garlock of Waukee, formerly of Fonda, died March 3, 2024, surrounded by family.
A graveside service was held March 7 at Fonda Cedar Cemetery with Pastor Greg Baskerville officiating.
Betty was born Aug. 16, 1930, to Elmer and Irene Herke. She was raised on a farm near Fonda, where she developed her love of gardening, flowers, animals and the outdoors. Although a country girl, she lived in town with her grandma during the school year so she could attend the new Fonda public school, from which she graduated.
In 1953, Betty married Dale Garlock at Fonda United Church of Christ, where she was a lifelong member. A bookkeeper at heart (and by training), Betty was thrust into newspaper life when Dale purchased The Fonda Times and they returned to their hometown, where they raised three children. For several years, she produced the “Famous Fonda Foods” feature which took her into hundreds of homes to gather recipes from homemakers. Eventually Betty took a full-time position as secretary at Fonda Community School and, later, bookkeeper at Cargill. Upon retirement, when she had more time for crafting and dried floral arranging, she and a friend opened a gift shop on Main Street.
In 2011, Betty moved to Waukee to be near family. There, she still enjoyed playing and teaching bridge, watching her flower and vegetable garden (tended by her son) grow and getting to attend the activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Betty is survived by her children: Laurie (Tony) Longnecker, Tracy (Anita) Garlock and Jody Garlock, all in the Des Moines metro; grandchildren: Ashley (Jeff) Fuhrmeister, Megan (Bob) Baker, and Clinton, Jackson and Abigail Garlock; and great-grandchildren, Emma and Aiden Fuhrmeister.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dale; her sister Jane Madsen; and her parents.
Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with final arrangements.
