Lensing, Louise Elizabeth " Bette" 1922-2012

LENSING, TOMPKINS, LYNCH

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 1/7/2018 at 08:29:32

Bette Lensing
1922 - 2012
Windsor Heights

Louise Elizabeth "Bette" Lensing, 90, passed from this life, in the loving arms of her family on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 18, at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Des Moines, of which she was a member. Interment will take place at a later date.

Bette was born the daughter of Edward and Mayme Tompkins Lynch on June 8, 1922 in Rockwell City, Iowa. She was a 1939 graduate of Rockwell City High School; and in 1944, Bette graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in Iowa City, IA. She proudly served her country as 2nd Lieutenant with the U.S. Army Nurse Corps during World War II in the Philippines. In 1946, Bette returned to Iowa City, where she was employed with Mercy Hospital and met James P. "Jim" Lensing, a finance student at the University of Iowa. After a brief courtship, Bette and Jim were united in marriage on April 7, 1947 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Iowa City.

In 1953, Bette and Jim moved to Windsor Heights, where they built their home on 68th Street. For 38 years, Bette was employed with Mercy Hospital in the Birth Rooms, until her retirement in 1991. She loved helping bring life into this world and Bette proudly continued to remind many individuals in the Des Moines areas that she was there, at the hospital when they were born. Following her retirement, Bette volunteered for 14 years in the Gift Shop at Mercy Hospital, where she could keep up with all the gossip. Seriously, she simply had a gift of wanting to reach out to help others in need. Two of her greatest joys and loves in life are when she adopted her two daughters, Julie A. Lensing in 1957, and Mary Pat Lensing in 1960, both through Catholic Charities. Bette served her church in many ways, including passing communion to the shut-ins and enjoyed volunteering countless hours in her community. Most of all, Bette loved spending time with her friends and family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Left to cherish her memory and emulate her life, are her two daughters, Julie Lensing of Des Moines; Mary Pat Lensing of CA; two brothers, Don Lynch of CA and Jack Lynch of IN; six grandchildren, Allen, Anna, Abby, Alyssa, Angel and Michael; six great-grandchildren, Bethany, Gunner, Katie, Emily, Makayla, and Michael Jr.; and a host of many extended family members including nieces, nephews, cousins, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Bette will join those in heaven who preceded her into eternal life, including her husband of 54 years, Jim Lensing in 2001; one brother, Bob Lynch; and many friends.

The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, September 17, at Iles Funeral Homes, Westover Chapel in Des Moines, where a Rosary service will begin at 7 p.m.

In agreement with Bette's wishes, the family respectfully requests that any memorial contributions be made to: St. Theresa's Foundation, Mercy Birthing Center, Mercy School of Nursing, Dowling Club, or the Subiaco Abbey in Subiaco, AR.

They also would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the staff at both Mercy Medical Center - 7N and Mercy Hospice in Johnston for their never ending care, compassion and support during Bette's illness.

"We love you, mom. May you rest in peace." ~ The Des Moines (IA) Register Sun 16 Sept 2012.