Betty Jean (Griffith) Porter

Betty Jean (Griffith) Porter, the first of eleven children of James R. and Lois M. Murphy Waddell, was born November 7, 1939, in Stuart, Iowa, and died December 14, 2010, surrounded by her family, at the age of 71 years, 1 month and 7 days. For the past two years, she fought a brave battle with lung cancer with the same strength and quiet determination shown throughout her life.
Betty attended Stuart Community Schools and graduated with the Class of 1957. On August 25, 1957, she was united in marriage to Clark Griffith at the Friends Church in Stuart, Iowa. Betty later joined and was baptized at the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon. Five children were born to this union. The family operated a farm east of Audubon where they raised crops and livestock. Betty also worked outside the home as a computer typesetter, waitress, and clerk. In 1992 they retired from farming and moved to Diamondhead Lake near Dexter, Iowa and later to Atlantic, Iowa. After Clarks passing on April 22, 2003, Betty moved to Audubon to be near her family and friends, and lived there for the remainder of her life.
In 2006 Betty was united in marriage to James B. Porter. During their time together, they enjoyed traveling, fishing, and spending time with friends.
Throughout her life, Betty took pleasure in reading, crocheting, fishing, cooking, spending time with her grandchildren, and doing crossword puzzles. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend.
Preceding her in death in addition to her husband Clark, was her son Russell H. Griffith, her parents James and Lois Waddell; her brothers Carl Waddell, Gary Waddell, Brian Waddell, Ronald Waddell, her sisters Denise Waddell, Marie Waddell, and Sharon Miller.
Survivors include her husband James B. Porter of Audubon, Iowa; her children Randy Griffith of Carroll, Iowa, Suzanne and husband Dr. Paul Schultz of Audubon, Bob Griffith of Carroll, Julie and husband Jeff Wahlert of St. Michael Minnesota; her grandchildren Emily Parsons of Coralville, Iowa, Allie Parsons of Audubon, Parker Schultz of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Garrett Schultz of Destin, Florida; 5 step children, 3 step grandchildren; her brothers James (Butch) and wife Sandy Waddell of Adel, Iowa, Dennis and wife Lisa Waddell of Menlo, Iowa; her sister Connie Waddell and friend Bill Martin of Greenfield, Iowa; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Charles and wife Jean Griffith of Audubon, Marjorie and husband Ray Cajka of San Diego, California, Loren and wife Deanna Griffith of Brookings, Oregon, Jack and wife Elaine Griffith of Coarsegold, California, Larry and wife Acey Porter of Tucson, Arizona, Dixie Waddell of Des Moines, Iowa; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon.

Visitation:
The family will meet with friends Friday evening December 17, 2010, at 5:00 P.M. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Audubon.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Dean Porter on Saturday, December 18, 2010, at 1:00 P.M. at the First Presbyterian Church in Audubon, Iowa.