Rosa May Betz

Rosa Betz, better known as Rosie, was born July 14, 1924 to Gideon and Pearl Thompson. She was the middle child. An older sister, Zelma, and a younger brother, Grandby, made up their family. Rosie was born and grew up on a farm southwest of Walsh. She was sick a lot as a child, but a good student, graduating from Walsh High School May 8, 1942. After high school Rosie worked as a clerk/stenographer for Department of Agriculture in Fort Collins. While living there, she met and fell in love with Frank Betz, a handsome young serviceman. You might say it was love at first sight. They were married March 31, 1943. Rosie lived with Zelma while Frank and Zelma’s husband, Coach Hale, were serving in World War II. On Frank’s return they lived in Denver and Lamar before moving to Springfield in 1949. Frank co-owned NuWay Cleaners and Rosie kept books for the shop for years in spite of many health problems. Having no children of their own, they were very close to their nieces and nephews. The Thompsons gathered almost every Sunday to share good food, games, and conversation. Frank and Rosie also went to California when they could to visit Frank’s family. Frank died in 1982 at the age of 62 and Rosie bravely carried on. She was active in United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She was also a member of Club of the Year for over 50 years. She served as secretary for AARP and Historical Society and wrote articles for the church newsletter for years. She also enjoyed travelling to all the states except Hawaii as well as Mexico City and on a mission trip to Costa Rica. She did beautiful handwork including embroidery and quilts and was an avid reader. She was an excellent cook and especially enjoyed making desserts. Most of all, she was a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She lived in her home alone even as her eyesight was failing. Finally in June 2013, she made the decision to move to assisted living, once in Walsh and again to Loveland in September Even as her health rapidly declined she would say, “I’ll do my best.” That was her creed through many hardships and disappointments. She lived her faith and often expressed her thankfulness for such a loving husband and family. She was kind and generous to all she met. Preceding her in death were her husband, Frank, her parents, Gid and Pearl Thompson, sister, Zelma, and brother-in-law, Aaron (Coach) Hale, brother, Grandby Thompson, nephew, Mark Thompson, Mother-in-law, Anna McQuade, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kay and Hap Heximer, and many close friends. There is going to be a grand reunion in heaven, but she will be missed on earth. Surviving Rosie are her sister-in-law, Betty Thompson, four nieces, three nephews, their families and many friends.