Beatrice Brooks

Beatrice Louise "Betty" Brooks, age 88 of Park Rapids, MN formerly of Meridan, MN peacefully entered her heavenly home on Saturday, August 8, 2015, with her loved ones at her side, where she was welcomed with a kiss by her husband, Babe who preceded her in death last April. Betty was born on June 24, 1927 in Deerfield Twp. of Steele County in southern MN. It was in this same area that she grew into womanhood, graduating from the Owatonna Public High School with the Class of 1935. At the age of 16, Betty gained employment working as a telephone operator for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Owatonna. On March 10, 1947, Betty was united in marriage to a handsome young soldier, Lowell "Babe" Brooks who had returned home from WWII as a decorated war hero who had received the Bronze Star for his valor and bravery in combat. The young couple made their home in Steele County where they were blessed with five children: Blaine, Sharon, Brenda, Brian and Bruce. They started Brooks Midway Service Station, which was located halfway between Owatonna and Waseca. Betty devoted herself to assisting her husband in their business and making a warm and loving home for her husband and children. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious homemade pies. In addition, Betty continued her work with Northwestern Bell in a career that spanned over 30 years. She endured the heartbreak of her daughter, Sharon's death at the age of 6 and losing her husband and soulmate, Babe, last April. Betty loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed feeding and watching the birds, writing in a daily journal, participating in a neighborhood card club and playing dominoes with family and friends. Above all, Betty dedicated her entire life to her husband, her children and her grandchildren who she loved with all her heart. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Brenda (David) Sordahl of Park Rapids; her three sons: Blaine (Carol) Brooks of Waseca, MN, Brian (Stephanie) Brooks of Austin, MN and Bruce Brooks of Madison, WI; nine dearly loved grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; two sisters: Doris Brooks of Maple Grove, MN and Marjorie Brooks of Coon Rapids; one sister-in-law, Myrtis "Sis" Schumacher of Mpls; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Ellen VonMende; her daughter Sharon who died in 1956; a grandson, Jonathon who died in 1982; a great granddaughter, Jaslynn Leritz who died in May of 2014 and her husband, "Babe" who died on April 26th of this year. Services will be held 2 PM Friday August 14, 2015 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with Michael Brooks officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Urn bearers will be grandchildren: Shelley Mae Cook, Eugene Lowell Brooks, Eric Matthew Leritz, Randy Gene Leritz, Christopher Lee Leritz, Bryan Allan Eaker, Olivia Margaret Eaker and Samantha Kerrie Brooks. Interment will be made in the family plot located in the Grandview Memorial Gardens Cemetery of Owatonna, MN. To leave online condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com.