Nelia Rowena Betz's Obituary
Nelia Rowena Betz, 87, passed away on the morning of July 15, 2024. She was born in Waverly, Florida, to parents Neil and Maudine Taylor on March 7, 1937. She was a lifelong resident of Polk County. Rowena was a teacher at Kathleen Elementary School where she taught first and fourth grade. She loved helping and seeing children learn, especially reading. She received the Teacher of the Year Award in 1987. Rowena also had a gift of playing the piano and organ and she served as pianist/organist at church for 65 years. Rowena was married to the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Betz for 50 years. Together, they loved spending time with family and friends, traveling the country, golfing, square dancing and playing cards. Rowena loved being a mother and friend to her two daughters Renee and Beverly and cherished times with her four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband Robert “Bob” Betz, parents Neil and Maudine Taylor, sisters Velda Guderian and Lyndal Caudill and brother Buddy Taylor. She is survived by her daughters Renee Sangster and son-in-law Alan Sangster, Beverly Miller and son-in-law Steve Miller. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Brittany Syswerda and spouse Ben, Joshua Sangster and spouse Erin, Cameron Sangster and spouse Miranda, and Steven Taylor Miller. She is also survived by five great grandchildren, Raelyn Sangster, Teddy Syswerda, Harry Syswerda, Maggie Sangster and Henry Sangster. She is also survived by her brother Ken Taylor and wife Jackie, sister Martha Wilt and sister-in-law Nancy Taylor.
Rowena will be missed by so many family members and friends, but they have comfort in knowing today she is in heaven. Visitation will be at Lake Gibson Methodist Church on Saturday, July 27th, from 1:30 – 2:00 p.m. The Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. Rowena will be laid to rest next to Bob at Socrum Cemetery with a private graveside service just for immediate family.
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