Betty Ann Alden

Betty Ann Alden, 94, of Center Point, Iowa, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa. The family will greet friends from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Center Point. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Boulder Cemetery in Prairieburg, Iowa.

Betty was born on April 18, 1932, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Ted and Esther (Vanourny) Sweeting. She was a 1950 graduate of Center Point/Urbana High School. On July 24, 1950, Betty was united in marriage to Nathan “Nate” D. Alden in Center Point. Betty lived a life dedicated to family, faith, and community service. She was a homemaker and farmer’s wife. Alongside this, she worked for many years at the Linn Area News, where she made invaluable contributions, until her retirement in 1994.

One of Betty’s greatest joys was her involvement with her church family, a community that provided her with spiritual nourishment and fellowship. She was an active member of the Center Point American Legion Auxiliary and the Center Point Garden Club. Betty Ann also found fulfillment in her participation with the Hills Mill Homemakers Club and a close-knit Scrabble group. In her earlier days, Betty was deeply engaged in numerous groups that showcased her leadership and passion for education and civic involvement. She was a beloved Sunday school teacher, a 4-H leader, and an active participant in the PTO at Central City schools. Additionally, she contributed her creative talents to the ceramics group at Doris Dean’s and enjoyed lively evenings with the Buffalo Creek Square Dancers.

Despite her many commitments, Betty Ann’s greatest joy was, above all, spending time with her family. The love and companionship she shared with her loved ones defined much of her life and left a lasting legacy of warmth and kindness. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Betty is survived and lovingly remembered by her four children, Daniel (Joanne) Alden of Center Point, Melonie (Wayne) Buelow of Center Point, Martin (Joan) Alden of Princeton, Indiana, and Belinda Alden of Marion, Iowa; 16 grandchildren, Sara (Frank) Wilkins, Stephanie (Todd) Kress, Mathew (Sara) Alden, Jeremy (Vickie) Buelow, Ranae (Chris) McGovern, Michelle Kopf, Jennifer Buelow, Serena Buelow, Hannah (Bradley) Garrett, Asher Alden, Thad (Elizabeth) Alden, Abigail Alden, Nicholas (Abigail) Ritze, Lucas (Sabrina) Ritze, Brooke (Chris) Gardner, and Felan (Matt) Link; 40 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon (Robert) Foley of Austin, Texas; and brother-in-law, Martin (Joan) Alden of Sarasota, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Esther; husband, Nate Alden; and brother, Ervin (Lois) Sweeting.