Betty A. Darnell

Sheldon, Iowa

Betty A. Darnell, 73, of Sheldon passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Services will be 10:30 A.M. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon with Bishop Mike Hughes, officiating.

To view Betty's service via livestream, please register at: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=7f959e66-5119-4022-b2c7-dc43acb68dc2

Visitation with family present will be Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon.

Betty Ann Bliek was born on March 28, 1953, in Hawarden, Iowa, to William Bliek and Martha (De Jager) Bliek. She grew up in Spencer, Iowa, received her education there, and graduated from Spencer High School in June of 1971.

Betty was united in marriage to Jerry Robert Darnell on June 4, 1971, at the Reformed Church in Everly, Iowa. She joined Jerry overseas where he served in the Navy in Guam, Italy and Scotland. From there they lived in Spencer before moving to Sheldon, where they made their home and raised their family.

After all of her children were in school, Betty worked as a home health aide for 19 years, faithfully caring for others in the community. Prior to that, she devoted herself to being a stay at home mom.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. She loved visiting friends and family and sharing the gospel, bearing a strong testimony throughout her life. Those who knew her will remember her warmth, her encouragement, and her delight in all things frog related.

Betty passed away at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on January 5, 2026, reaching the age of 72 years, 9 months, and 8 days.

She is survived by her children: Tiffany (Keith) Petitt of Sheldon, Iowa; Angelina May of Illinois; Amanda Meyeraan of Sheldon, Iowa; Jeremy (Lori) Darnell of Boyden, Iowa; Jason (Stepanie) Darnell of Sibley, Iowa; and Tabatha Monen of Sheldon, Iowa; her brothers Roy (Jan) Bliek and Bill (Debbie) Bliek; 20 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her parents, William and Martha her sisters, Martha Jane Van Surksum and Bonnie Purcell.

The family is grateful for the kindness of friends and the community and invites all to share memories in celebration of Betty’s life.