Elizabeth Collings

Elizabeth “Betty” Collings, age 97, of Parkersburg, Iowa was born the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (VanHauen) DeGroote, on April 1, 1924, on a farm in Butler County. She received her education at the Country School north of Parkersburg, Iowa and graduated the Parkersburg High School in 1943.

On December 19, 1945, Betty was united in marriage with Arthur James Collings in Missouri. The couple made their home in Parkersburg before moving to an acreage in the country, where they raised four children together. During this time, Betty worked as the office manager for the Farm Bureau Agency in Allison, Iowa for 23 years.

Betty was a member of First Congregational Church in Parkersburg, where she served on the Ladies Guild and helped with Bible School. In her spare time, she enjoyed golfing, Card Club and taking yearly trips to Clear Lake with her family. Betty loved to cook and bake. She always had food ready for anyone who stopped by and Saturday morning coffee. Betty especially loved the time she spent with her family and attending her kid’s and grandkid’s activities over the years. 

Betty passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones at her home, of natural causes. She is preceded in death by her husband Arthur Collings; two son-in-laws Kenneth Kollmann and Kevin Kalkwarf; one granddaughter, Michelle Kollmann; three sisters, Ann Huisinga, Florence Lewis, and Henrietta Benning; and three brothers, Harm DeGroote, Henry DeGroote, and Marion DeGroote.

Betty is survived by three daughters, Nancy (Keith Uhlenhopp) Kollmann of Parkersburg, Iowa, Barbara (Mike) Plaehn of Gladbrook, Iowa, and Jill Kalkwarf of Parkersburg, Iowa; one son, Gary (Diane DeBuhr) Collings of St. Clair Missouri; seven grandchildren, Kellie Fobian (Troy Gilbertson), Tim Kollmann, Erik (Megan) Kalkwarf, Amy Kalkwarf, Andrew (Makayla) Collings, Alicia (Greg) Tweedy, and Chad Plaehn (Kayla Benjamin); 10 great-grandchildren, Brady Fobian, Kylie (Stephen Gunn) Fobian, Lane Kollmann, Josie Kollmann, Braxton Kalkwarf, Isabella Kalkwarf, Maverick Collings, Alaina Collings, Penelope Collings, Landon Tweedy, and baby Tweedy on the way; and two sisters, Johanna Reiners of Parkersburg, Iowa and Sarah (Donovan) Truax of Parkersburg, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg, with Pastor Brian Koelsh officiating.  Pianist was Randy Brocka, and he accompanied the congregation as they sang “Old Rugged Cross” and “How Great Thou Art”.  Stan Thompson sang “I Can Only Imagine”, “The Lord’s Prayer” and “On Eagles Wings”.  Burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg.  Casketbearers for the service were Tim Kollmann, Erik Kalkwarf, Andrew Collings, Chad Plaehn, Brady Fobian and Merle Chamberlain.  Honorary Casketbearers were Doreen Thorne, Arlene Kalkwarf and Irene “Pete” Stickley.

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at the First Congregational Church in Parkersburg.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Parkersburg was in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com