Joana Bettis

Joana Marie Bettis, 90, of Motley, MN arrived in Heaven on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Lakewood Health in Staples, MN. Services for Joana will be 11:00 AM, Thursday January 15,2026 at Motley Free Methodist Church in Motley, MN with Pastor Jim Johnson officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation from 5:00-7:00PM, Wednesday, January14, 2026 at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at Motley Public Cemetery in Motley, MN.

Joana arrived on Earth on September 12, 1935 to Ernest and Edith (Shockey) Nickell in Dixon,Illinois. Joana was united in marriage to Stanley Bettis on November 22, 1953 in Lineville, Iowa.

Joana cherished her life on the farm and found great joy in baking, cooking, decorating, andhome interiors. She enjoyed her time with Avon and selling Longaberger baskets, but above all, Joana treasured spending time with her family, who were the center of her world.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Stanley; and her brother, Jay Nickell. Joana is survived by her children, Mark (Sue) Bettis, Kirk (Anita) Bettis, and Tonya (Terry)Carlson; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her dearly.

A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Lakewood.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN.