Elizabeth "Betty" Louise Cartwright Ahlen, 94 years, formerly of Fort Madison, Iowa died at 7:45 pm Saturday, March 16, 2019 at her daughter's home in Mantua, Ohio. She was born December 31, 1924 in Mantua, Ohio, a daughter of William Oliver and Bessie Caroline (Thornton) Evans. On October 28, 1978, she married Jack Joseph Ahlen at Mantua, Ohio. He preceded her in death March 10, 2011.

She was the first woman school bus driver in Mantua, Ohio working from 1953 to 1977. She also enjoyed high school wrestling and did the scoring for the team for 19 years. She then drove for the Fort Madison School District from 1978 to 1991. She is a member of Holy Family Parish and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association.

She is survived by five sons: William (Laura) Cartwright, of Edingburg, Ohio; Verl (Margaret) Cartwright, of Fort Madison, Iowa; Mark (Julie) Cartwright, of Fort Madison, Iowa; Patrick (Kathy) Ahlen, of Milton, Florida; and Jack R. (Ann) Ahlen, of Milton, Florida; four daughters: Sarah Jane Pilgrim, of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Vivian Lynn Wengatz, of Mantua, Ohio; Josianne (Richard) Benjamin, of Mantua, Ohio and Etta Price, of Ohio; 13 grandchildren; great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers, five sisters and two sons, Michael Ahlen and Mark Ahlen.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am March 28, 2019 at the Sacred Heart Church, Holy Family Parish, Fort Madison with Reverend Joseph Phung, as Celebrant. Burial will be at the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Fort Madison, Iowa. A memorial has been established for the Fort Madison High School Athletic Boosters, contributions may be made at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison.