MENDOTA – Betty J. Phalen, 92, of Mendota, passed away Friday, April 4, 2025, at OSF Saint Paul Medical Center in Mendota.

A memorial funeral service will be held at noon on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home on Friday. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Mendota.

She was born Aug. 31, 1932, the daughter of Elmer and Marian (Deaner) Brown. She married Harry Phalen on Sept. 1, 1951, in Mendota.

Betty is survived by three sons, Craig (Luci) Phalen of Missoula, Mont., Kevin (Kim) Phalen of Reeds Spring, Mo., and Todd (Lynn) Phalen of Mendota; 14 grandchildren, Tonia (Joe) Gott, Jodi Phalen, Becky (Ryan) Pelka, Jason Phalen, Kim Phalen, Josh Phalen, Sarah Veltz-Phalen, Andrew (Krysta) Phalen, Ben Phalen, Morgan Phalen, Laura Phalen, Luke Phalen, Olivia Phalen, and Mallary (Joseph) Meyer; 11 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a brother, James Brown; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Harry; two sons, Brad Phalen and Brian Phalen; a brother, Bill Brown; and two sisters, Joyce Hoffman and Barb O'Leary.

Betty's life was centered around her family. She raised five boys and was blessed with many more grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Her favorite times were when the family gathered for the holidays. Betty was an avid sports fan. She loved watching all of her sons’ sporting events and activities. That fandom carried down to watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well. Betty especially enjoyed cheering on the Minnesota Vikings.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Betty's memory may be directed to Mendota Area Senior Services (M.A.S.S.) or the Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry. Please visit www.horner-merritt.com.