Betty Jean Aulner, age 74, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord on March 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her daughters and two granddaughters, Alexandra and Hailey.

She was born on August 11, 1951, the daughter of Edward and Betty (Cooper) Huff. She grew up in the Mitchell countryside, where her beloved horse Star faithfully carried her to school each day and even tried to fetch her when the bell rang. Betty loved farm life, dressing up newborn piglets, helping milk, the cows and spraying milk into the calves mouths just to make her siblings laugh. She adored her brothers, Albert and Lloyd, and her sister, Janice, and carried that love for family throughout her entire life.

Once she moved into town, she worked at a diner to help her mother through hard times. Later, Betty moved to Marion to be near her sister, Jan, and help care for her nieces and nephews. Betty also continued her education. While living in Marion, Betty met Joe Aulner. They were married on December 12, 1968 and together they raised two daughters, Jodi and Julie. Her daughters were the light of her life, her pride and joy, and truly her best friends.

Betty was blessed with seven grandchildren that she adored, Alexandra and Eric Hooghagen, Christopher and Kotako Aulner, Hailey and Dylan Sterk, Chase Sterk and his girlfriend, April; eight great grandchildren, Olli, Josette, Navy, Denver, Delilah, Kayla, Everly and Winston; and her special puppy companion, Jinxy.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bessy and Edward; her brother, Albert and Lloyd; a sister, Janice Vogel; and her beloved pets, Sammy and Callie.

Betty lived a life filled with kindness, humor, and deep devotion to her family. Her life was defined by love - pure, steady and unconditional. Her daughter's lives will never be the same without her because she was their world, and they were hers.