Betty Ringer

Betty Ringer, 92, of Mason City, formerly of Webster City died Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at her daughter's home in Mason City. Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 19, 2014 at Graceland Cemetery, with Pastor Ed Bard officiating. There will be no visitation. Betty M. Best, daughter of Ray and Lola McCollough Best, was born February 5, 1922. She was a child of the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression who graduated from Lincoln High, in Webster City, as salutatorian in 1940. On December 12, 1941, she married George W. Ringer in Princeton, Missouri, five days after Pearl Harbor Day. She spent most of the next four years as a sailor's wife while George served in both the European and Pacific Theaters of Action, including the battle for Okinawa. George owned Wilhelm Brass and Aluminum Foundry. Betty was employed in a variety of jobs... the Rationing Board during the War, a dental technician, an insurance assistant, for her husband and for Social Services of Hamilton County. Mr. Ringer died 1981. Betty is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Jon and Denise Ringer of Minooka, Illinois; daughter, Diane Evans of Mason City; brother, Don (Darlene) Best of Webster City; grandchildren, Matthew and Sherri Evans of Mason City; Melissa Evans of Dallas, Texas; Gina and Jeramy Sherwood of Minooka, IL; great-grandson, Grady Evans and step-great-granddaughter, Kadance Brooks. In addition, she remained close with nephews, Kirk (Pam) Best and Kreg Best and niece, Kristi (Milton) Best and their families. Mrs. Ringer's life was one of love and loyalty. She gave much to her family and extended family. She spent time and energy with the First Baptist Church as a member of the Marcia Binkley Circle, P.E.O., the Hamilton County Hospital Auxiliary, R.S.V.P. and the Ecumenical Committee. She remembered the young and old who needed a hand or just a smile. Through it all, her friends were often lifetime friends... people to whom she remained loyal through the decades. In addition to her husband, Betty was preceded in death by her parents. A Freeman Journal columnist once speculated that "Betty Best is the prettiest girl in town." There were few who would argue that observation...then or now. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the First Baptist Church of Webster City, the Lupus Foundation or Wounded Warriors. Write a personal tribute for the Ringer family at www.fosterfuneralandcremation.com.