Bette Jo Tompkins

Bette Jo Tompkins

June 25, 1923 - July 16, 2019

McCOOK, Neb. — Bette Jo Tompkins, age 96, of McCook, passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at Community Hospital in McCook.

Bette Jo was born June 25, 1923, in Bartley, Neb., to parents, David Alexander and Ethel Pearl (Anderson) McDowell. She was one of two siblings who grew up in Bartley, graduating from Bartley High School with the Class of 1940. Following high school, Bette Jo taught country school for several years before going on to attend Kearney State College, graduating with a teaching degree in 1947.

On July 27, 1949, Bette Jo married the love of her life, Lyle Frank Tompkins in McCook. The couple made their home in Wauneta before settling in McCook in 1957. They were parents to four children, Robert Bruce, Ronald Lyle, Mary Jo and Jeri Anne.

Bette Jo actively served in numerous organizations at Memorial United Methodist Church including the United Methodist Women as well as the Methodist Church Board. She was also involved in PEO-GY, the Retired Teachers Association, DOE, Eastern Star and the Bartley American Legion Auxiliary. Bette Jo was a high school business teacher at Wauneta, Red Willow and Republican Valley for over 29 years, and also enjoyed collecting stamps, cross stitch, crocheting, collecting angels, jigsaw puzzles, and caring for her rose garden.

Bette Jo was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lyle in 1989; son, Robert Bruce Tompkins in 1998; and brother and sister-in- law, John and Virginia McDowell.

Those left to celebrate Bette Jo’s life include her son, Ronald Lyle Tompkins of McCook; two daughters, Mary Jo (Daniel) Radil of Alma, Neb., and Jeri Anne (Kent Eickhoff) Brisbin of Kearney, Neb.; four grandchildren, Lacey (Bryce) Pearson of Hickman, Neb., Quintin VerHagen of Plano, Texas, Austin Radil of Alma and Katy (Mikel Summers) Radil of Lincoln, Neb.; two nieces, Nancy Brune of Omaha, Neb., and Linda Sugar of Dillon, Colo.; as well as one great-grandchild, Henry Pearson and other extended family members and close friends.

Visitation is today until 7 p.m., with family present to greet friends, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook on Friday, July 19, 2019, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Jeff Kelley officiating.

Private family burial will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Memorial United Methodist Church, Feed My Flock, 105 East E St., McCook, NE 69001.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the Tompkins Family.