Obituary of Betty Jean Linthicum

Betty Jean Linthicum, the daughter of Keith and Edith (Poortinga) Nearmyer, was born October 17, 1931, in Jasper County, Iowa.  Jean graduated from the Monroe Senior High School with the class of 1950.  In 1953, she was united in marriage with Paul Zickel.  Paul would precede her in death in March of 1966.

Jean worked for the U.S.D.A. in the Jasper County A.S.C.S. office for 37 years, retiring in 1986.  On October 10, 1980, Jean was united in marriage with Raymond Linthicum at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA.  Following her retirement, Jean and Raymond spent 17 years wintering in Arizona.  Jean enjoyed shopping, playing cards, Taco Tuesdays, and spending time with family.  She was a member of the Monroe First Baptist Church.  She attended the Newton First Presbyterian Church and the Park Centre United Methodist Church.

Jean died on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Park Centre in Newton, IA.  She was 91 years old.  Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her twin brother in infancy; her husband, Paul Zickel; and her husband, Raymond Linthicum on October 4, 2011.

Those left to honor Jean’s memory include her brother, Ronald (Ellen) Nearmyer; a step daughter, Kay Thompson; three step grandchildren and seven step great grandchildren; her niece, Ronda (Dan) Birkenholz;her nephew, Roger (Ginger) Nearmyer; her great nieces, Renee (Rodrigo) Hildago, Lisa (Kyle) Jurgensen, her great nephews, Logan Nearmyer and Brent Nearmyer; and her five great-great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 13, 2023, at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton.  A Facebook Live broadcast will begin at 3:00 p.m. on the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home and Cremation Services Facebook page.  The family will greet friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be designated to the Monroe First Baptist Church or the Newton First Presbyterian Church and may be left at the funeral home.