Betty Jean (McCloney) Dickey was born in Osceola, Iowa, on October 29, 1943, to Russell and Louise McCloney. Betty grew up in Osceola, with her younger brother Robert, where her favorite childhood activity was riding her bike.

Betty was always a very motivated and involved student, in activities ranging from theater, chorus, band, and "Future Teachers." She was a serious student … as well as a rollicking member of "The Nutty Nine" in high school. Her love of music and education led her to attend Northwest Missouri State, where Betty majored in elementary education and minored in instrumental music. She was awarded a scholarship for her studies, chosen for "most likely to be a successful college graduate."

On June 12, 1966, Betty married her sweetheart, Dwayne Dickey, in a beautiful ceremony in Osceola. They spent the summer living in Indianola, moving to Malvern, Iowa where Betty started her first teaching position that fall. Betty continued teaching 3rd grade in Indianola for the remainder of her career, retiring from education in 2005. Her lengthy time as a beloved teacher impacted many Iowa families with multi-generations having been blessed with having Betty as their 3rd grade teacher.

Even more important to Betty than teaching was her role as mother. Their first child, daughter Kelly, was born in October of 1969. Brian followed in 1974. Both children loved their summers at home with their mom. Betty kept their summers full of hosting friends, park dates, D.Q. lunches, swimming, and weekly movies. She's fondly remembered as a very loving and involved mother. Title of Grandma also suited Betty perfectly. She adored all her grandchildren; Madelyn and Charlie (Brian and Mendy Dickey) and Ben, Nick, and Sam (Kelly Erickson).

Betty and Dwayne were very active in their church, First Assembly of God, in Indianola. Betty was a Missionette leader, Bible Quiz coach, and sung in the choir. Countless fishing trips to Canada with church friends also filled their summers. Always the teacher, Betty spent some of her time fishing, plenty of time reading in the boat! There were also many trips to Branson for family time and to enjoy shows.

Those blessed to know Betty Dickey knew a woman with a giant heart, infectious smile, great compassion, and a deep love of Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dwayne Dickey; parents, Russell and Louise McCloney; brother, Bob (Sandy) McCloney and several other beloved family and friends.

Betty is survived by her children, Kelly Erickson and Brian (Mendy) Dickey; grandchildren, Madelyn Dickey, Ben Mull, Nick Mull, Charlie Dickey and Sam Erickson as-well-as many other relatives and friends.

Services for Betty who passed away Monday, January 20, 2026 in Indianola, will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 26, 2026 at the Indianola First Assembly of God Church, with burial following in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, January 25, 2026 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola.  Memorials, in memory of Betty, may be given to Kiya Koda or Helping Hand in Indianola.