Betty Jean Upah, 88, of Toledo, passed away Thursday, November 16, 2017 at Premier Estates of Toledo under the care of Iowa River Hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 20, 2017 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama with Father Michael Mescher as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Tama. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 19, 2017 from 5-7 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with a Vigil Service and Rosary at 7 PM.

Betty was born on a farm south of Traer, Iowa on August 18, 1929, the daughter of Felix and Bessie (Patava) Stepanek. Growing up on the farm, Betty graduated from high school in Traer in 1947. After graduation, Betty worked in the office at Rath Packing Company in Waterloo, Iowa.

On August 18, 1949, she was united in marriage to Sylvester Upah Sr. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Tama. Sylvester and Betty farmed southeast of Clutier and east of Toledo where they raised three children. Sylvester and Betty were married fifty-six years before his passing on October 1, 2005. Since his death, Betty has resided at Carrington Place, now Premier Estates of Toledo, first in the independent living apartments and currently in the Care Center.

Survivors include three children, Teresa Ann (Kenneth) Degner of Traer, Duane (Gail) Upah of Clutier, and Sylvester (Karen) Upah Jr. of Ames; Betty was blessed with six grandchildren, Matt (Kate) Degner, Mike (Kim) Degner, Nathan (Lindsey) Upah, Kelsey Upah, Kristin Upah, and Katie Upah; seven great-grandchildren, Jack Degner, Liz Degner, Alice Degner, Miles Degner. Mason Degner, Wyatt Upah, and Violet Upah; two sisters-in-law, Maxine Upah of Tama, and Elaine Upah of Garwin; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Sylvester Sr.; and one brother, Vernon Stepanek.

A memorial fund has been established.