Montezuma - My wife, our mother, and grandmother, Betty Lou (Harms) Classen, was born on March 16, 1936, to Ervin and Luella (Schmidt) Harms.  Unexpectedly, she went to be with Jesus on Friday, July 5, 2024, at CommonSpirit St Catherine's Hospital in Dodge City with her husband by her side, reaching the age of 88 years.

Mom grew up on a farm west of Montezuma in the middle of her six sisters. This setting created a love for life, family, singing and a bit of competitiveness that followed her through life. She was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on Feb. 8, 1948, by her father Minister Ervin Harms, remaining faithful to God and his church until she died.

She was married to me, Edwin Classen, on Aug 28, 1955, in Montezuma, also by her father. Shortly after their marriage, they spent two years in 1-W service in New Orleans. She made our home a happy place where we were loved, cared for, and fed the best food. She took hospitality to the next level, and we all remember the many people who passed through our home for a meal or a night or two, some staying even longer. No matter who it was, they all felt love and were at home with her around.

When our Dad was ordained into the ministry in 1971, she faithfully supported him in that work and her hospitality increased even more. She often saw the needs in the congregation and community and was always ready to help in some way or other. She enjoyed the many youth who circulated through our home and was often in the middle of what was happening. She welcomed the in-laws as they came and made them a part of her family. When grandchildren came along, she took a special interest in each one and spoiled them with love, homemade goodies, and hot tamales. In 2002, Mom and Dad went to Rochester, MN as mission workers. They made many new acquaintances, and many of those became like family to them. They moved back to Montezuma after serving there for 4 1/2 years. It was a highlight in their lives.

She cared about our souls and often asked how we were getting along in our Christian walk. She was not afraid to reprove us or ask us about something she questioned. We never doubted that her love was real and genuine to the end.  Her ability to accept what life brought to her without bitterness allowed her to weather many storms with grace including losing her son Marshall as a youth and losing her son Keith to cancer recently.

Those left to cherish the many memories are her husband of nearly 70 years, Edwin; two sons, Kevin and wife Carolyn of Ellijay, Georgia and Doug and wife Sharon of Montezuma; one daughter, Kris and husband Mark Nichols of Montezuma; 23 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Marjorie and husband Lincoln Koehn, Beatrice Jantz, and Lenora and husband Stanley Penner; one sister-in-law, Alfreda Classen; and six brothers-in-law, Ron and Betty Classen, Aldo Classen, Harry and Donna Classen, Larry Classen, Loren and Marilyn Classen, and Don and Kathy Classen.  She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, two sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law, two sons, Marshall and Keith, one grandson, Brett Nichols, and one great-grandchild, Tanner Koehn.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 10:30 AM.  Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Monday, July 8, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Rochester Missions in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.