Betty Jane (Snow) Coleman, formerly of Traer, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the age of 86 in Marshalltown, IA. She was born on April 22, 1939, in Carlton Township, Tama County, Iowa, to Harvey and Norma (Sievers) Snow.

Betty graduated from Dinsdale High School in 1956 and furthered her education at Gates Business College in Waterloo, where she earned a diploma in 1957. Soon after, she traveled to California with her sister Margaret and worked in various secretarial positions until 1963, when she joined the U.S. State Department.

While assigned to the American Embassy, Jakarta, Indonesia, she met Richard Coleman. They were united in marriage on August 22, 1964. Over the next 20 years, they served in Indonesia, Nigeria, Taiwan, Nepal, Burma, and Singapore. In 1983, Richard retired, and they moved to Traer, Iowa, where they bought a home and their three children attended North Tama High School.

Betty worked for Roan and Powell Law Office as a secretary after her return. In 1989, Betty rejoined the U.S. Department of State and served with Richard in Bulgaria, Burma, China, India, Kuwait, and Laos. Betty retired in 2004, after which she and Richard returned to Traer.

While retired, Betty enjoyed her time quilting, sewing, reading, and tackling crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed spending time at the Traer Public Library, where she borrowed books and worked on puzzles. Betty was an avid walker and could be seen about town many mornings walking with Richard.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents, Harvey and Norma Snow; and one brother, Robert Snow. Betty is survived by her children, including two sons, Daniel (Sara) Coleman of Jacksonville, NC, and Kelly (Sheri) Coleman of Fredericksburg, VA; one daughter, Wendy Coleman of Wilmette, IL; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; three brothers, William (Jan) Snow of Winston-Salem, NC, Jim (Ramona) Snow of Traer, IA, and Dale (Doris) Snow of Kirkland, WA; and one sister, Margaret Ramsey of Roanoke, VA.

Services to honor Betty’s life will be announced later.