Betty Torrez, 74, Des Moines

Betty Torrez, 74, passed away peacefully at Taylor House in Des Moines, Iowa surrounded by her family on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.

A celebration of life will be held at Brick-Meger Funeral Home in Owatonna on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, from 1-4 p.m.

Betty was born in Claremont on Sept. 28, 1948, to Hugo and Evelyn Von Ruden. She graduated from Owatonna High School in 1966. Her first job was working as a secretary for Owatonna Elevator. Throughout most of her working years, Betty held various jobs including in-home daycare for many years, and factory work at Owatonna Manufacturing Company, Gopher Sports, and Truth where she retired.

Betty’s true passion was cooking and baking. Cooking was her love language and feeding her family was how she expressed her love the best. Betty felt most comfortable and enjoyed being at home. She loved having all her children and grandchildren over and always made sure to have their favorite dishes ready.

Betty is survived by her daughter Lisa (John) Lindsay, and three sons: Robert (Margaret) Pirkl, Derrick (Megan) Torrez, and Ryan Torrez, her three sisters: Norma (Don) Bissen, Margie (Roger) Pedley, and Marlys Paul, eight granddaughters, three grandsons, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her brothers: William Von Ruden, Harold Von Ruden, and Lloyd Von Ruden, and her sister, Donna Baker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to UnityPoint Hospice-Taylor House.