Elizabeth "Betty" L. Kadlec, 96, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, July 18, 2017 at Mercy Hallmar.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday at Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West, 1604 "J" Street S.W., by Rev. Darran Whiting and a eulogy by Edward Kuba Jr. Burial will follow at the Czech National Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 7 P.M. Sunday at the funeral chapel.

Betty is survived by two daughters, Leslie Kadlec and Susan (John) Rocarek, both of Cedar Rapids; granddaughter, Ann (Nick Gefaller) Rocarek and their daughter, Stella, all of North Liberty. She is also survived by a niece, Jan Means, Cedar Rapids; two great-nieces, one great-nephew, and one great-great niece.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester, parents, Walter and Annie (Tranbury) Smith, her uncle, Henry Tranbury, who helped raise Betty after her father's death, and her sister and brother-in-law, Priscilla and Mac Tefer.

Betty was born September 28, 1920 in Cedar Rapids and was a lifelong resident. She graduated from Wilson High School, and was a member of the National Honor Society, Aristotelian Chapter. This was an accomplishment of which she was always very proud.

Betty married Lester W. Kadlec on August 3, 1940 in Center Point. Lester died March 17, 1962. Betty was employed as a technical writer at Collins Radio Co. and later Rockwell-Collins Government Avionics for many years until her retirement.

Betty was an avid reader, loved to travel and collected rooster figurines. She enjoyed attending performances of the Cedar Rapids Symphony. Betty loved the holidays and making "everything" special for her family. She especially loved spending time with her great-granddaughter, Stella.

Betty's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her compassionate caregivers at Mercy Hallmar and for the support of Hospice of Mercy to Betty and her family at this time.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Cedar Valley Humane Society, 7411 Mount Vernon Road S.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52403 or a charity of the donor's choice.