Elizabeth Louise Tompkins

Elizabeth Louise Tompkins, 92, a longtime Garner resident, passed away Saturday, August 9, 2025 in Mesquite, Texas after a long and fulfilling life.

A private celebration of her life was held earlier. Inurnment will be held at Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.

Born September 9, 1932, to Carl and Meta (Lemke) Bohn in Mason City, Elizabeth Louise was fondly called "Betty Lou" by her mother – a nickname which followed her through her youth. She attended Garner schools and graduated in 1950. Elizabeth was a member of Rainbow Girls and served as a state convention delegate and an officer in the state organization.

After graduating from Garner High School in 1950, she began work in the high school superintendent’s office. The following year she moved to Hancock County Rural Electric Cooperative’s office and enjoyed her years there.

As a member of the Garner United Methodist Church, Rev. Broberg asked her to work with their Sunday School secretary, Claire Tompkins. They worked well together and shared that role for over 25 years. Working together led to dating, and on February 14, 1953, they were married by Rev. Willard S. Cunningham

Elizabeth joined Claire in his childhood home where they raised their family. In the early years, they maintained a large vegetable garden contributing to many fresh home-cooked meals and to many canned, dried and frozen goods. In later years, her green thumb turned to growing flowers both for herself and for the enjoyment of neighbors and passersby.

Elizabeth was active in social groups, including a church Circle, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Recital Club, and several bridge clubs. PEO held a special place in her heart; she was a past Chapter FN president and a member for over 50 years. Elizabeth also served on the board of the Garner Public Library (1974-1998). She valued the many friendships and the opportunities for learning and laughter she gained from these groups.

Elizabeth was an active leader in Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts while raising her children, Jay and Julie. Each year, she planned family vacations to explore her children's interests and to provide relaxation for the entire family. Memorable visits over the years included newspaper printing, soda bottling, coin minting, toothpaste packaging, sponge harvesting, nuclear facility planning, and rocket assembly. Her love of travel blossomed in later years as she explored bucket list destinations in the United States and abroad. She particularly enjoyed her visits to Ireland and Alaska.

Through the years, Elizabeth pursued many hobbies and interests. As she raised her family, she enjoyed sewing clothes for her kids and herself. Steadily, her interest in fabric arts turned to making full-sized quilts, seasonal quilted wall hangings, purses, and smocked Easter eggs. She deeply enjoyed collecting fabric samples and dreaming about what they might become. Her family was easily caught up in her enthusiasm, and Claire was a ready collaborator and muse for fabric combinations in her art.

In 2019, Elizabeth moved from her home of 66 years to Cardinal Grove in Garner, and in 2022, she relocated to Mesquite, Texas to be nearer to family.

She is survived by her son, Jay (Ken Johnston); daughter, Julie (Richard) Bahlmann; sisters-in-law Karen Bohn, Jeanie (Alan) Ball; nephews/nieces: Allen (Marian) Tompkins; Larry (Sandi) Tompkins; Steven (Jackie) Bohn; Alan (Pamela) Bohn; Beth (Michael) Beaver; Michael (Nancy) Bohn; Richard (Sue) Bohn; Missy Bohn; Christina (Todd) Chapman; Theodore (Melissa Ann) Bohn; and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents (1999); her husband, Claire (2007); her brother Richard (2025); in-laws, Dean and Betty Tompkins, Linda Laffoon; and her niece Barb Tompkins.

Elizabeth valued support for local organizations. Please consider remembering her through support of your local church, your local library, or similar community organizations.

A special thank you to the staff of Christian Care - Mesquite for their kind care, shared laughter, and generous hearts.