Kratz, Betty J.

KRATZ, JACKSON, THOMS, WAIT, DANNEMAN

Posted By: Ruth Maring - VOLUNTEER
Date: 4/28/2009 at 19:41:59

Kratz, Betty J. View/Sign Guest Book

CAMANCHE — Betty J. Kratz, age 86, of Camanche, died Friday, April 24, 2009, at the Eagle Point Nursing Home in Clinton after a long battle with cancer. According to Betty's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28th, at the Lyons Untied Methodist Church in Clinton. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Christine Minor-Heilig officiating. Betty was born in Clinton on May 1, 1922, the daughter of Arthur of Leone Jackson Thoms. She was a 1940 graduate of Lyons High School. Betty married Russell L. Kratz on September 9, 1942, in Clinton. Russell died on March 27, 1987. Betty was employed at J.C. Penney for 24 years retiring in May of 1984. Betty moved to Apache Junction, Arizona, in 1989 where she resided for 18 years. Betty loved living in Arizona but had to return to the Clinton area in 2007 because of health reasons and to be closer to her family and friends. While in Arizona, Betty was in charge of organizing the Iowa Breakfasts. She loved spending time with her family and her friends. Her favorite pastime was shopping. She enjoyed bowling, playing cards, BINGO and her beautiful doll collection. Betty was a member of the Red Hat Ladies, the J.C. Penney Retirement Group, the former Odeon Club, a former member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Sarah Circle and was currently a member of the Lyons Untied Methodist Church. Betty is survived by her children, Linda Wait of Austin, TX, Stephen R. (Deborah) Kratz of Clinton and Pamela S. (John) Danneman of Dubuque; seven grandchildren, Teresa, Stacy, Monica, Todd, Megan, Danica and Dean; 16 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and five brothers, Robert (Lou Ann) Thoms of Topeka, KS, Donald Thoms of Thousand Palms, CA, Richard (Jane) Thoms of Clinton, William (Marlene) Thoms of Greenwood, MO, and Gary (Lynn) Thoms of Clinton. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a granddaughter, Nicole, and a brother, Jack Thoms. Memorials may be made to VNA Hospice or the Lyons United Methodist Church general fund. Death date: April 24, 2009
Published in the Clinton Herald from 4/27/2009 - 4/28/2009