Betty Jane (Rehmke) Thumma

Betty Jane (Rehmke) Thumma, 94, of Tipton, IA, entered eternity on Thursday, March 16, 2023, while at Cedar Manor Nursing Home, Tipton. Fry Funeral Home will host a Visitation from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Tipton, followed by a luncheon. After the luncheon, Betty will be laid to rest at the Stanwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family will forward all memorials to the Trinity Lutheran Church. Cards and memorials may be mailed to 308 Mulberry St., Tipton, IA 52772. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Betty was born in rural Clinton County, IA, on Wednesday, March 28, 1928, to Frederick and Anna (Eichorn) Rehmke. After graduating from Stanwood High School, Betty went on to attend college at the University of Iowa, where she earned a degree in accounting and graduated with honors in 1949. From college, Betty was one of the first two women to be hired as accountants for the Caterpillar company in Peoria, IL. During the two years she worked for Caterpillar, Betty was also a civilian employee of the Coast Guard, and worked at the military commissary as a hostess.

On August 26, 1951, Betty married a man she knew most of her life, Robert “Bob” Lloyd Thumma, in Oxford Junction, IA. Betty and Bob grew up together and had been friends since early childhood. Having already taken over his family’s farm in 1951, Betty joined Bob and together they farmed crops and raised livestock. She also enjoyed flower gardening and sewing. Betty was a woman of strong faith; she was devoted to her family and the church.

She taught Sunday School for over 40 years and was noted for thoroughly explaining the back story and history behind scripture. Her children describe her as being stern but fair and always willing to share her knowledge. Throughout their marriage and until well into their 80’s, both Betty and Bob enjoyed sharing their love of ballroom dancing.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Judith Youngs of West Liberty, IA and Nancy Gagner (Chris Urmie) of Stanwood, IA; son, Mark (Deb) Thumma of Tipton, IA; brother, Herold Rehmke of Clarence, IA; daughter-in-law, Becky Thumma of Rochester, IA; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Anna; husband, Bob (January 2023); son, John Thumma (September 2021); sisters, Luella Rehmke and Rosetta Thumma; and brothers, Robert Rehmke, Louis Rehmke and Herbert Remke.

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