Betty Jean (Cornwell) Ansel

Betty Jean Ansel, 70, of Dubuque, was called home on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at the home of her daughter, Brenda, surrounded by family.

Graveside memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019 at Mount Olivet Cemetery with Rev. Dianne Grace officiating. According to Betty’s wishes, no visitation will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is assisting the family.

Betty was born November 2, 1948 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Alfred & Betty Jane (Fox) Cornwell. She married the love of her life Dennis W. “Denny” Ansel on February 4, 1967, at St. Mary’s Church in Dubuque, IA. They spent 36 beautiful years together before his passing in 2003.

Betty and Denny were the owners of Ansel’s Auto Service & Towing and Betty waitressed at Monte Carlo Restaurant, for many years.

Betty enjoyed country music, racing and most of all family. Up until Denny’s passing in 2003, she could be found holding down the fort at the garage and on the weekends sitting in the grandstands at the local dirt tracks, surrounded by family and friends, wearing her Ansel 80 racing gear. After Denny’s passing you never seen Betty without her daughters, grandkids or great-grandkids nearby. She enjoyed her trips to Florida, The Dells, camping  and her iced-cold Busch Lights, where everyone was welcomed. 

Betty is survived by Peggy (Doug) Ohmert, La Motte, IA, Brenda (Mark C.) Sullivan, Kathy (Edward) Clancy, both of Key West, IA, Lori (Greg) Merfeld, Peosta, IA. Grandchildren Brandi Sue “the favorite” (Adam) Johnston, Krista Sullivan, Allan Ohmert, Steve Miller, Bubba (fiancé Abi), Thomas (Ariel) Ohmert, Morgan Miller, Dennelle and Jaime Clancy, Lucy, Joe and Maxine Merfeld; 6 great grandchildren, sisters Mary Lou (George) Flanagan, Phyllis Lang, and special family friends Richard & Judy Schmitt.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, brothers Don, Ron & Butch Cornwell; sisters Margaret “Peggy” Cornwell and Patricia “Pat” McAtee.  Peggy and her sister’s would like to give a very special thank you to her co-workers at Hospice of Dubuque for their help and support. A special thank you to Schmitty for “Beer Thirty’s”. you spent with mom thru the years.  She looked forward to her Saturday night visits with her drinking buddy.

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