Betty “Jean” Mott passed away peacefully on August 24, 2021 at Trinity Center at Luther Park in Des Moines. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 28, 2021 with her memorial service at 11 a.m. at St. James Lutheran Church in Johnston.
Jean, the daughter of William “Ferg” and Edna (Samuelson) Ferguson, was born on August 5, 1925 in Des Moines, Iowa. The family had a grocery store in Beaverdale that they operated from 1935-1952.
Jean worked at the Des Moines Building renting space to companies at a time when women were not normally in those positions. She later worked for Sellner Oil Company in Johnston for many years as a bookkeeper. When the Saylorville Dam was being built she had the opportunity to drive into the lakebed several times and witness that feat. Her last job was for Polk County as a bookkeeper-she made many lasting friends there.
She married the love of her life on January 30, 1949. Richard “Dick” Mott passed on March 20, 2019, not long after their 70th anniversary. Jean and Dick enjoyed fishing and would travel to Minnesota or Missouri to fish. Jean and Dick were members of St. James Lutheran Church in Johnston for 57 years.
Jean is survived by her daughter Linda Mott; granddaughter Danielle (Donovan) Grove; and great-granddaughter Aubrie. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband “Dick”; son Larry; and daughter-in-law Ruth.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. James Lutheran Church or Trinity Center at Luther Park.
