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IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Betty
Bumgarner
April 24, 1938 – September 1, 2018
Obituary
Mildred "Betty" Bumgarner
April 24, 1938 - September 1, 2018
Among Betty's Facebook posts, one that she shared seemed to be a self-reflection. She exemplified this sentiment throughout her life:
"
Love isn't what you say. Love is what you do."
Betty's capacity to love was remarkable. She loved being a Christian and being among her church community. Betty expressed gratitude when she received the gift of time with her family. She naturally connected to people including her lifelong friends, her neighbors, her co-workers, and all of the children who were fortunate to live near her home. Betty's ability to love is her legacy.
Betty was born in a rural farmhouse built by her great-grandfather near rural Milo, Iowa. Her parents were John and Mayme (Roe) Davey. Betty is survived by her three siblings Karma Wilkinson, Glenn Davey, and Shirley Zimmerman. The family moved to Indianola, Iowa in 1952 where they established and lived in the Davey Rest Home. Betty graduated from Indianola High School in 1955. Betty and her siblings all raised their combined ten children within three blocks of each other in Indianola where the cousins found built-in friendships and the safety of family within arms' reach.
Johnny Bumgarner from Liberty Center, Iowa encountered his future bride on the Indianola square in 1955. They spent 62 years together in marriage and spent the majority of their lives together at their current address. Betty and Johnny raised two daughters, Vicki (Tracy) Jensen and Julie (Mark) Peck. Betty expressed such pride and love for both daughters. Vicki (Alissa and Cody) and Julie (Delaney) gifted Betty with three grandchildren. Alissa and her husband Matt Wehmeyer blessed Betty with two great-grandchildren, Emma and Chase. Cody and his wife, Megan, blessed Betty with their third great-grandchild, Callan. Just days before her death, Betty was reminded that she was recently visited by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In spite of her failing health and discomfort, Betty smiled and responded, "I just love them all to pieces." Johnny demonstrated his dedication and love for his bride especially during their final years together when he tirelessly ensured that Betty was able to enjoy life. Together, they embodied their marital vows,
"In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part."
Betty recognized the importance of her role as mother to Vicki and Julie. Although she had an active and rewarding career throughout her working life, Betty arranged her schedule so that she was always home when the girls returned from school. Betty spent many years at Principal Financial, doing dental office work, and finally, retiring from Iowa Realty. The family spent many summer weekends camping throughout the midwest, spending time with extended family, and getting together with family friends. Betty was known by her family as the creator of delicious home-cooked meals and desserts. Her cooking was the cornerstone of many family gatherings. During her spare time, Betty liked to relax with her oil paints and captured beautiful landscapes on canvas. Johnny and Betty shared the pleasure of square dancing. Johnny and Betty have been members of the First Baptist Church in Indianola since 1968 where Betty shared the gift of her voice through her participation in the church choir, attended Bible study, served as the church's Financial Secretary and attended Sunday school for many years.
Betty recognized the importance of her role as mother to Vicki and Julie. Although she had an active and rewarding career throughout her working life, Betty arranged her schedule so that she was always home when the girls returned from school. Betty spent many years at Principal Financial, doing dental office work, and finally, retiring from Iowa Realty. The family spent many summer weekends camping throughout the midwest, spending time with extended family, and getting together with family friends. Betty was known by her family as the creator of delicious home-cooked meals and desserts. Her cooking was the cornerstone of many family gatherings. During her spare time, Betty liked to relax with her oil paints and captured beautiful landscapes on canvas. Johnny and Betty shared the pleasure of square dancing. Johnny and Betty have been members of the First Baptist Church in Indianola since 1968 where Betty shared the gift of her voice through her participation in the church choir, attended Bible study, served as the church's Financial Secretary and attended Sunday school for many years.
It is believed that Betty was so in love with life, her family and her faith that she managed to survive and rally from illnesses that threatened her ability to remain on Earth throughout the past few years. She serves as an
example to all that joy is possible even when pain is present. Betty will be greeted in heaven by her loved ones who preceded her in death including her parents, her sister-in-law, Carol Davey, her brothers-in-law,
Gordon Wilkinson and LaVerne Zimmerman, and her infant brother, Charles Davey.
S ervices will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the First Baptist Church in Indianola. Visitation will begin prior to the service at noon. Burial will follow services in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Memorials may be given in Betty's name to the First Baptist Church in Indianola.
S ervices will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the First Baptist Church in Indianola. Visitation will begin prior to the service at noon. Burial will follow services in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Memorials may be given in Betty's name to the First Baptist Church in Indianola.
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