Alan Thomas, Tim Thomas’s Dad, wrote me last Sunday to tell us that Betty Thomas, his wife and Tim’s Mom, passed away early that morning. Alan and Tim gave us permission to post her obituary as a tribute to her life.
Betty J. Thomas, 81
Betty Joyce Rarick was born Dec. 20, 1935, to Jess L. and Violet Reese Rarich in Iowa City. She attended the local schools and was a graduate of City High and the University of Iowa.
She was married to Allen Thomas on Sept. 5, 1954 at Danforth Chapel on the UI campus.
They have three children, Tim (Maggie), Brian and Anne. Betty was a longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City.
Her husband and children survive her, as does a sister, Gloria Ihrig, and a brother, Kenneth Rarick, and several cousins and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. March 25 at the Sanctuary Church, 2205 E. Grantview Drive, Coralville, Iowa.
Gifts in her honor may be made to the Iowa City Animal Shelter.