Betty Jo Dunkin, 79, of Burlington, died Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.
Born October 28, 1946, in Darlington, Mo., she was the daughter of Wm. Leo and Anna M. Malson Ellis. She married Donald Wayne Dunkin in Fort Madison, Iowa. He preceded her in death on April 21, 2015.
She cherished time spent with her family and chauffeuring her grandkids around. She liked to sew. In her younger years, she kept a garden and enjoyed canning.
Survivors include two sons, Larry (Moung) Dunkin of Burlington, and Brian Dunkin of Mt. Pleasant; two daughters, Donna (Mike) Stevens of Burlington, and Amy (Ryan) Lightfoot of Wever; 16 grandchildren, Jennifer Dunkin, Stephanie (Scott) Coursey, Tom (Katlynn) Dunkin, Sonya (Jon) Witt, Alyson (Ethan) Adamire, Brayton (Megan) Dunkin, Mariah (Logan) Boatwright, Jenna Grahm, Jayden Benesh, Cody (Olivia) Smith, Sierra (Adam) Bollin, Alex Nguyen, Brandon (Jayden) Nguyen, Calvin (Hunter) Nguyen, Darian (Kaisa) Lightfoot, and Jarrett Lightfoot; 28 great-grandchildren, Aaliya Myers, Keondra Nash, Kyra Nash, Kameron Segoviano, Caleb Coursey, Owen Dunkin, Madison Dunkin, Bennett Dunkin, Rowan Witt, Rylee Witt, Archer Witt, Gannon Leatherwood, Braxton Adamire, Waylon Adamire, Emma Dunkin, Jeremiah Dunkin, Ellawyn Dunkin, Elyce Dunkin, Jaycee Boatwright, Layla Boatwright, Rhett Boatwright, Tripp Boatwright, Jude Nguyen, Hudson Nguyen, Ezra Nguyen, Lincoln Nguyen, Hudson Smith, Hazel Smith, and another set of twins on the way; one sister, Cleta (Ron) Ettinger of King City, MO; one brother, Bob Ellis of Darlington, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.
The Graveside Committal Service for Betty will be 1:00 PM Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.