Betty Jean Hardt

Betty Jean Hardt, 96, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022.

She was born on July 5, 1926, to Robert and Hazel (Dobson) Willette in Delavan, Minnesota.

Betty was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an exceptional caregiver as a nurse. She was a graduate of Blue Earth High School in Minnesota (the Buccaneers), and received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mercy College of Nursing, Sioux City, Iowa.

Betty provided her nursing and administrative skills at Floyd County Memorial Hospital, Chautauqua Guest Homes, and the Salisbury Baptist Home. After retiring from nursing, Betty continued to visit those care centers, bringing greeting cards and sharing good wishes with residents on birthdays and holidays.

Betty married Charles Hardt on Nov. 25, 1948, in Blue Earth, Minnesota.

In their retirement, Betty supported Charles by assisting in his “Mr. Science Show,” which was a magical exhibition for young students, witnessed all across the Midwest, demonstrating the marvels of science and creating a wonderful learning experience.

Betty was the recipient of the “Woman of the Year” presented by the Charles City Women’s Club, a council member on the Advisory Committee at I.C. Schools, she was a member of the Red Hat Society, a Girl Scout team leader, Sacred Heart Guild, the Rosary Society and St. Rose Circle. As a devoted longtime member of the I.C. Church she served as a lay Carmelite.

Betty’s true joy was spending time with her family and friends, writing, painting, and serving the needs of others.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Charles, of 63 years.

She is survived by her children, Charlaine Vitarelli, Kim (Bonnie) Hardt, Pam Kramer (Dave), Mark (Paula) Hardt, John (Carole) Hardt, Michael (Ann) Hardt, Mary Kreger (Matt), 15 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, along with an abundance of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Farewell services will be presided over by Father Marty Schaffer at Immaculate Conception Church in Charles City, Iowa, at 1 p.m. on July 5, 2023, with a reception in the parish hall to follow immediately after.

Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, followed by a backyard BBQ at 1109 Cedar St.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Dollars for Scholars Nursing Students, https://scholarshipamerica.org/donate/.

Online guest book is available at www.meierhoffer.com.