Elizabeth Marie “Bette” Thompson, 91, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away at 12:55 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, IA. She was born on May 7, 1935 in rural West Point, IA to George & Barbara Denning Bishop. She married James E. Thompson on June 3, 1961 in Unionville, MO. He preceded her in death on October 2, 2024. She was a school teacher most of her life and sold Avon. She was very social and loved to talk about make-up and jewelry with her friends. She loved owls and children.
Bette is survived by: 1-son: Jim (Lori) Thompson of Mt. Pleasant, IA; 3-granddaughters: Deanna (fiancé Luis Perez) Thompson of Chicago, IL, Julie Thompson of the Republic of South Korea and Jennifer Wilcox of rural West Point, IA; 2-great grandchildren: Eldon Hansen & Jessa Wilcox and 1-brother: Dale (Bev) Bishop of Tunnel Hill, IL. She was preceded in death by: her parents, husband & 9-siblings.
A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 7, 2026 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jeff Metcalf officiating. Burial will be held at Soldiers’ Circle in Oakland Cemetery. A memorial has been established in her memory. Online condolences to Bette’s family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.
