The world lost a remarkable soul on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Betty Lynn (Knudsen) Wiuff, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, returned to her heavenly home at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy woven with love and music.
Born on September 12, 1933, on a family farm just north of Walnut, Iowa, Betty was the cherished daughter of Allan and Sylvia Knudsen. From her earliest days, the melodies of life surrounded her. The gentle strains of piano and organ filled her home as her parents played duets that brought joy and harmony. This rich musical heritage sparked in Betty a passion for music that would shine throughout her life. She became a beloved pianist and organist in her community, sharing her gift at church services, weddings, funerals, and even the Iowa Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, touching countless hearts with her talent.
Betty’s journey took a beautiful turn when she met Albert “Bud” Wiuff, Jr. while working at the Baptist Memorial Home in Harlan, Iowa. With his two twin sons, Bruce and Bryan, Bud captured her heart, and on June 5, 1952, they united in marriage in Worthington, Minnesota, creating a family filled with love and laughter. In 1967, their family grew when they joyfully adopted their daughter, Beth Wiuff, at just two weeks old. Betty poured her heart into raising her children, supporting Bud in his work, and filling their home with music and love.
Their first home in Harlan, crafted by Bud’s hands, was a testament to their dedication and dreams. In 1957, they moved to Ankeny, Iowa, where they continued to build their life together, establishing Elview Construction Company. Betty took on the role of bookkeeper, a job she embraced until her retirement in 2001.
Betty was also known for her incredible culinary skills. On weekends, the delicious aroma of fresh bread and rolls wafted through the house, a warm invitation to her children and, later, her grandchildren. Constant companions in her life were their beloved Boston Terriers, always by her side, sharing the joy of family gatherings.
Betty’s spirit lives on in her brother, Maurice (Dottie) Knudsen of Hernando, Mississippi; in her loving sons, Bruce (Phyllis) Wiuff of McKinney, TX, and Bryan (Bev) Wiuff of Johnston, IA; in her cherished daughter, Beth Wiuff of Johnston, IA; and in her eight adoring grandchildren: Eric Wiuff, Ben (Rachel) Wiuff, April (Jeff) Propst, Brett (Sara) Wiuff, Brina (Casey) Coppi, Robert (Alissa) Wiuff, Brooke (Dan) Shea, and Nathan (Stasia) Wiuff, as well as 23 great-grandchildren who will carry her love forward.
Betty Wiuff is now reunited with her beloved parents, Allan and Sylvia Knudsen, and her husband, Albert “Bud” Wiuff Jr., in a place of eternal peace. She leaves behind a tapestry of memories, a legacy of love, and a profound impact on all who knew her. Her spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of her family and friends, a beautiful melody that will never fade.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to MercyOne Hospice Care for their compassionate support of Betty and her family during this time.
Born on September 12, 1933, on a family farm just north of Walnut, Iowa, Betty was the cherished daughter of Allan and Sylvia Knudsen. From her earliest days, the melodies of life surrounded her. The gentle strains of piano and organ filled her home as her parents played duets that brought joy and harmony. This rich musical heritage sparked in Betty a passion for music that would shine throughout her life. She became a beloved pianist and organist in her community, sharing her gift at church services, weddings, funerals, and even the Iowa Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, touching countless hearts with her talent.
Betty’s journey took a beautiful turn when she met Albert “Bud” Wiuff, Jr. while working at the Baptist Memorial Home in Harlan, Iowa. With his two twin sons, Bruce and Bryan, Bud captured her heart, and on June 5, 1952, they united in marriage in Worthington, Minnesota, creating a family filled with love and laughter. In 1967, their family grew when they joyfully adopted their daughter, Beth Wiuff, at just two weeks old. Betty poured her heart into raising her children, supporting Bud in his work, and filling their home with music and love.
Their first home in Harlan, crafted by Bud’s hands, was a testament to their dedication and dreams. In 1957, they moved to Ankeny, Iowa, where they continued to build their life together, establishing Elview Construction Company. Betty took on the role of bookkeeper, a job she embraced until her retirement in 2001.
Betty was also known for her incredible culinary skills. On weekends, the delicious aroma of fresh bread and rolls wafted through the house, a warm invitation to her children and, later, her grandchildren. Constant companions in her life were their beloved Boston Terriers, always by her side, sharing the joy of family gatherings.
Betty’s spirit lives on in her brother, Maurice (Dottie) Knudsen of Hernando, Mississippi; in her loving sons, Bruce (Phyllis) Wiuff of McKinney, TX, and Bryan (Bev) Wiuff of Johnston, IA; in her cherished daughter, Beth Wiuff of Johnston, IA; and in her eight adoring grandchildren: Eric Wiuff, Ben (Rachel) Wiuff, April (Jeff) Propst, Brett (Sara) Wiuff, Brina (Casey) Coppi, Robert (Alissa) Wiuff, Brooke (Dan) Shea, and Nathan (Stasia) Wiuff, as well as 23 great-grandchildren who will carry her love forward.
Betty Wiuff is now reunited with her beloved parents, Allan and Sylvia Knudsen, and her husband, Albert “Bud” Wiuff Jr., in a place of eternal peace. She leaves behind a tapestry of memories, a legacy of love, and a profound impact on all who knew her. Her spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of her family and friends, a beautiful melody that will never fade.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to MercyOne Hospice Care for their compassionate support of Betty and her family during this time.
A visitation for Betty will be held on Friday, November 8th, from 5-7PM at the Memorial Services of Iowa Funeral Home in Ankeny.
A second visitation will be held on Saturday, November 9th, from 1-2PM at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan.
Graveside services at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan at 2PM on Saturday, November 9th, 2024.
