Elizabeth (Betty) Carolyn Hoskins, daughter of John and Gertrude Shay, was born April 1, 1925 in Bancroft, Iowa. She attended school at St. John's Catholic School where she graduated from high school. She then completed two years at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, with an AA degree in business.
Betty was united in marriage with Blaine Hoskins on December 31, 1945 at St. John's Catholic Church in Bancroft. The couple settled in the West Bend area where they farmed and raised a family of six children.
Betty was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America and the Ladies aid of the church. After Betty and Blaine raised their children to school age, she entered the workforce as a secretary at the Rodman school and then for the West Bend School System, retiring in 1991. Betty was very active in FFA and especially proud of the award she received as "Mother of the Year". She loved the holidays and being with her family. She cherished her collections of Santa Clauses and bunnies.
Betty died June 18, 2009 at the West Bend Care Center. Survivors include her five sons: Jim (Bobbie) Hoskins of Keswick, Virginia, Terry Hoskins of Emmetsburg, IA, Craig Hoskins of Fort Worth, Texas, Tom (Lou Ann) Hoskins of Bettendorf, IA, and Bill (Karen) Hoskins of West Bend, IA, her daughter Mary (Jim) McDade of Walford, IA, ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren, a sister Dolores Mertz of Ottosen, IA is Betty's only surviving sibling.
She was preceded in death by her husband Blaine in 2007, her parents and a brother. Betty truly prized her Irish heritage and her Irish eyes were always smiling.
Funeral Services will be held 10:30 AM Monday June 22, at Sts. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church in West Bend with burial to follow in the West Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3-6 PM Sunday at the church where a CDA Rosary will be recited at 3:00 PM and a vigil service held at 6 PM.
Harris Funeral Home of West Bend is in charge of arrangements.