Betty Wendt, age 82 of Clarence, passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side on Sunday August 24, 2025. Funeral services will be held at St. John's United Church of Christ in Clarence on Thursday August 28 at 10:30 AM with Pastor Janet Shotwell officiating. Visitation will also be at St. John's on Wednesday August 27 from 4-6 PM. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery.

Betty was born September 26, 1942 in West Plaines, MO to Charles and Lugenia (Stellemeyer) Collins. She was united in marriage to Wilbert Wendt on May 7, 1966 at St. John's UCC in Clarence. He passed away on December 2, 2022.

Survivors include her children Paula (Howard) Burnett of Pleasant Hill, IA, Wilbert Jr. (Mary) of West Liberty, Tina Wendt of Cedar Rapids, and Justine Daisy of Tipton; 7 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and sisters Fannie Burmeister and Rosie Bruce of Clarence.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings Lena Mae Hollaway, James Collins, Carl Collins, Leroy Collins, and Charlie Collins.

Betty will be remembered as a devoted mother, loving farmwife, and a woman whose heart was as big as her table—because nobody ever left her house hungry. Family was the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

She had a way of making everyone feel welcome, greeting each person she met with kindness and a smile. Betty was a genuine soul with a lot of love to give, and she freely shared it with friends, neighbors, and family alike.

In her younger years, Betty worked for her sister Fannie, and it was there that she met the love of her life, Wilbert. Their partnership became the cornerstone of her happiness, whether they were working side by side or raising their family together. She later worked at Peterson's Restaurant, and most dear to her heart was the time she spent working alongside Wilbert. For 12 years, Betty also dedicated herself to caring for others at Clarence Nursing Home, where her compassion touched many lives.