Betty Joan Vickers, 91, of Bonaparte, IA passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Van Buren County Hospital. As were her wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in Betty’s honor may be directed to the Bonaparte Cemetery Association, Bonaparte EMS, or to T.N.R (Trap, Neuter, Release) program that was important to Betty. Memorials may be mailed to P.O. Box 75, Bonaparte, IA 52620. Friends may share memories and leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Betty Joan Vickers entered this life on January 29, 1934, in Keosauqua, IA, the daughter of Elmer and Alena Bartholomew Green. She was raised by her mother and her stepfather, Glenn Gares and attended country school as well as Bonaparte School before marrying the love of her life, Bill Vickers. Betty became a mother at an early age and loved that role. The family followed Bill’s work in the papermills, traveling to Arizona and Georgia. The family eventually moved back to Bonaparte to a farmstead that Betty and Bill had purchased. As the children grew older Betty entered the workforce at the Glove Factory and also managed the hardware store in Bonaparte.
Betty was the kind of person who never met a stranger and never knew an enemy. She was affectionately known as “Grandma Betty” to everyone in the Bonaparte and surrounding area. She not only supported her family, but also her community and was recognized for her service as the recipient of the Mainstreet Award in Bonaparte.
Not only was she kind to all people but also to all animals. She had a special place in her heart for her dogs and enjoyed walks with them on her property. She always did her part to keep Bonaparte beautiful, picking up litter whenever she came across it. She will be deeply missed by her family and the many friends she made along the way.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her husband; Bill Vickers; two siblings, Joe Green and Vivian Green; a son-in-law, Mike Shriver and a great granddaughter, Lindsay Grace Shriver.
Left to share her story are her three children; Bethany (Gene) Pratt of Bonaparte, IA, Tamera Shriver of Bonaparte, IA, and Troy (Liz) Vickers of Blue Eye, MO; eleven grandchildren, many great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren with one on the way, her faithful cat, Alice, as well as many extended family and friends.
