Helen (Betty) Elizabeth Buol, age 80, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, surrounded by family.

Betty was born on July 25, 1946 in Waterloo, Iowa, to Edward and Florence (Fritz) Burns. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School, after four years full of activity. Never one to sit still, Betty was always assisting in the school, from being assistant librarian, to student council member, to using her artistic talents to make stage props for the plays. She thrived in her school’s National Honors Society, and she never met a stranger, always making friends, whether it was in the girls’ intramural basketball team, the school choirs, or just around the halls.

Betty married the love of her life, Raymond Buol on September 24, 1966, in Dubuque, Iowa, after what would become one of her favorite stories to tell. After graduation, she had been far more focused on her own goals than romance, wanting to date and have fun but not be expected to commit to anything she wasn’t interested in. After sharing this concern with Kathy (Buol) Porter, her best friend since the 7th grade, Kathy suggested that she try dating her brother. Having met Kathy’s much younger brothers, Betty was initially confused, until Kathy clarified that she had an older brother who had just returned from the Air Force. Betty agreed to give him a chance, and what turned into a light-hearted first date blossomed into over 60 years of romance. Her initial goal of fun was more than met, as their long and happy marriage was filled with adventure and joy, from showing salukis in their younger days to embarking on cruises in their retirement years. She cherished her family, and always looked forward to visits with her loved ones.

With a long and storied career, Betty approached each job with passion and dedication. From a Pathology Tech at Mercy Hospital, to a Mary Kay Director, from a Sales Executive at Dan Kruse Auto Group, to Sales Manager at KDTH/KATFM Radio, and finally as the owner of a local costume rental shop, she brought her strength and experience with her to every field.

From a young age, Betty loved the beauties of the world, and loved just as much sharing them with others. A talented artist since her childhood, she never let her failing vision stop her from crafting masterpieces, from beautiful paintings to expressive one-of-a-kind jewelry sets to a wide variety of delectable baked goods. She equally loved the sights of nature, whether touring unique zoos, viewing botanical gardens, or simply tending her own personal garden, and shared these joys with family, friends, and strangers alike. Betty loved the holidays, and delighted in dazzling passersby with her decoration-filled yard for Halloween. It was Christmas that was by far her favorite time of year, however, where she put all her effort every year into decorating her entire house and yard in themed Christmas trees and scenes. She shared in her joy with her community by inviting family and local school groups to tour the holiday magic she created. Each tour would end in laughter and ice cream sundaes from the 1950s soda fountain in her 50s diner themed room. Everywhere she went, Betty brought color and joy with her, always ready with a listening ear and a shining smile.

Preceding Betty in death are her father, Edward Burns, her mother, Florence (Fritz) Burns, and her elder brother, Jim Burns.

Betty is survived by her husband, Raymond Buol of Winter Garden, Florida; her children, Melyssa (Brian) Van Horn of Mims, Florida, and Nicholas (Dawn) Buol of Winter Garden, Florida; her grandchildren, Allison (Michael) Fortin of Windermere, Florida, Cassandra (Carole) Thomasson of Atlanta, Georgia, Makaela (Tyler) Moores of Marion, Iowa, and Gavin Thomasson of Mims, Florida; her great-grandchildren, Oliver and Presley Fortin, and Sarai Moores; her sister, Marianne Avery of Dubuque, Iowa; and her extended family.

To remember Betty’s life and honor her love of nature, cruising, and Christmas, her family will have a Celebration of Life/Burial at Sea cruise later this year.

In lieu of flowers, Betty’s family will be participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event on October 3rd, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Donations can be made in Betty’s memory to the team “Betty’s Christmas Elves” to the Alzheimer’s Association.