Betty Reimer Lawton

Betty Reimer Lawton

"Hold me up in mighty waters" - line from the hymn "Autumn."

Betty Lidholm Reimer Lawton, 92 of Atlantic, and formerly of Marne, Iowa, passed away, Monday, October 13, 2014, at the Heritage House in Atlantic.

Betty was born on April 13, 1922 in McAllen, Texas, the daughter of Arthur and Mary E. (Matie) Lidholm. Upon graduating from Lincoln High School in Des Moines, she worked various jobs to put herself through college. Betty graduated from the University of Iowa in 1945, with a B.A. in Health Education.

Shortly after taking a job in Detroit at the YWCA, she met her future husband, Everett, on the train to Iowa. They were married in Farmington, Michigan, on May 30, 1946. She felt blessed to find an Iowan soul mate and together raised six children in Dearborn, Michigan.

An avid swimmer, Betty taught at the YWCA for many years as a swimming instructor. She finished her teaching degree from the University of Michigan, and was a substitute teacher throughout the Dearborn area for many years. Betty later worked as an activity director for the senior center of Dearborn, where she organized many trips, including a trip to Hawaii. She visited Hawaii again on her and Everett's 35 wedding anniversary, compliments of their children.

After Everett retired form the Ford Motor Company in 1975, they fulfilled their dream of returning to Iowa, by building a home in Marne, IA. Betty continued to remain involved in community work by volunteering for the American Cancer Society, Meals on Wheels, and as a tour guide for the Hitchcock House. She also enjoyed the friendships in her lunch brunch group, Kiwanis, as well as many other organizations.

In 1996, Betty felt blessed again when she married Bill Lawton. She joined his church and participated in the activities there. After Bill's death, Betty moved to Allen House where she loved her apartment and enjoyed all the people there too. She then lived at Heritage House, where she loved the staff that helped her in coping with Alzheimer's.

Betty is survived by her children, Max Reimer of Dearborn, MI, Kathi (Steve) Gates of Brooklyn, MI, Debbie Lucus of San Diego, CA, Bill (Lillian) Reimer of Houston, TX, and Alan (Nancy) Reimer of Atlantic; and daughter-in-law, Jamie Metsinger (widow of Jerry) of Shawnee, KS. She especially enjoyed her 7 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren and they include, Eric (Megan) Reimer, Josh and Crystal Reimer, Derek Lucus, Bailey Reimer, Heidi and Alicyn Reimer, and Andy and Tom Gates.

Also surviving are her brothers-in-law, Marion (Margaret) Reimer and Bob Goeken; sister-in-law, Velma Reimer; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Everett; her second husband, Bill; her son, Jerry; and son-in-law, Jim Lucus.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 20, 2014, at the First Assembly of God in Atlantic

Committal services will be held prior to the Celebration of Life at 9:30 a.m. at Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Sunday, October 19, 2014, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic, with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Nishna Valley Family YMCA Aquatics Programs or the First Assembly of God.

Betty referred to swimming as "Heavenly" and was still swimming until the age of 88. She has now reached the shore of Heaven, where she will do some "Heavenly Swimming."

Roland Funeral Home is caring for Betty's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF
Betty Reimer Lawton

BORN
April 13, 1922
McAllen, Texas

ENTERED INTO REST
Monday, October 13, 2014
At the age of
92 years, 6 Months
Atlantic, Iowa

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
11:00 A.M., Monday, October 20, 2014
First Assembly of God
Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICAIANT
Pastor Guy Fisher

MUSICIANS
Kelly Havemeier Vickie Fisher

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“Nearer, My God, to Thee “
“Amazing Grace”
“ May the Circle Be Unbroken”

CASKETBEARERS
Alan Reimer
Max Reimer
Bill Reimer
Steve Gates
Eric Reimer
Josh Reimer
Derek Lucus

FLOWER COMMITTEE
Alicyn Reimer Heidi Reimer
Bailey Reimer Megan Reimer Crystal Reimer

INTERMENT
Layton Township Cemetery
Walnut, Iowa

Memorials may be made to the Nishna Valley Family YMCA
Aquatics Programs or the First Assembly of God.

The family invites you to join them for lunch in the
fellowship hall imm