Betty Rose Weld

Betty Rose (Matthaei) Weld, 89, of Springville, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Linn Manor Care Center in Marion, Iowa. Per her wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Springville Presbyterian Church in Springville. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Erik Olson Cemetery in Salem, South Dakota.

Betty was born on August 9, 1935, in rural McCook County, South Dakota, to Frank and Rose (Negherbon) Matthaei. She attended a rural school through the eighth grade. On March 1, 1949, her family relocated to the Spencer area, where she completed her elementary education and later graduated from Spencer High School in 1953.

She pursued higher education at General Beadle State Teachers College in Madison, South Dakota. Her teaching career began in Canton, South Dakota. While attending college, she met Robert Weld, whom she married on March 30, 1956. She temporarily stepped away from her career to raise their two children, Cheryl and Martin. Committed to her profession, she later returned to complete her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in library science and went on to teach for nearly 30 years.

Following her retirement, Betty devoted her time to supporting Episcopal churches on the Rosebud Reservation. Her deep appreciation for history led her to contribute to the mapping of the Calvary Episcopal Church cemetery in Okreek, South Dakota.

After the death of her husband, she relocated to Iowa to be closer to her daughter and family. There, she became an active member of the Springville Presbyterian Church and taught Bible study for several years. She especially cherished her involvement in the Presbyterian women's group.

She is survived by daughter, Cheryl Weld (Bradley Wilson); son, Martin Weld; granddaughter, Sophia Wilson; brother, Donald (Carol) Matthaei; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; and brother, Charley (Lois) Matthaei.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Erik Olson Cemetery Association, SANSI, or the charity of one's choice.