History and Genealogy of Buchanan County Iowa
Obituaries of Buchanan County, Iowa Bettyann Helen “Betty” Atwood Bettyann Helen "Betty" Atwood, 83, formerly of Independence, died Aug. 16, 2008, at her home in Marion following a long illness. Betty was born Feb. 7, 1925, in Littleton, Iowa, the daughter of Carl and Margaret (Hultz) Strempke. She married John Thomas "Tom" Atwood on May 29, 1946, in Waterloo, Iowa. They farmed near Independence with Tom's father until 1960 when they moved into town. Betty sold World Book Encyclopedias, and worked as a clerk at Anthony's Department Store until she became employed by the State of Iowa at the Mental Health Institute in Independence in the business office. She retired from MHI in 1983. Betty was a devoted wife and mother and found her greatest joy in her home and family. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 tonight at Reiff Funeral Home in Independence www.reifffuneralhome.com. Funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Independence on Thursday, Aug. 21, with a viewing from noon to the start of services. Interment will follow services at Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family. Betty is survived by her daughter, Melody Atwood; her son and daughter-in-law, John Timothy and Claire Atwood; four grandchildren, Kacey Gallagher, Chad Martinez, Madison Atwood and Morgan Atwood; one great-grandchild, Pele Martinez; five sisters, Elaine Strempke, Jayne White, Irene Kremer, JoAn Ramsey and Ruthe Gentry; three brothers, Clifford Strempke, Clint Strempke and Carl Strempke; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband (Tom), her parents (Carl and Margaret Strempke), three brothers (Charles, Clair and Clyde Strempke), and an infant daughter (Kathleen Mary). (The Gazette, Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, Iowa - August 20, 2008; Submitted by Ida Maack Recu) ©2009 Genealogy Trails