Obituaries : Belva Jean Barthelmes

Belva Jean Barthelmes, 81, of Dysart, passed away Friday, July 11, 2025 at UnityPoint-Allen Hospital in Waterloo. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 10:30 AM, at the Dysart United Methodist Church with Rev. Mechille Boldt officiating. Interment will follow at the Dysart Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 4-7 PM at the Dysart United Methodist Church.

Belva was born on March 21, 1944, in Vinton, Iowa, the daughter of Milo and Dorriss (Clough) Degner. She grew up on the Degner family farm outside of Dysart.

She graduated from Dysart High School in 1962.

On October 26, 1963, she was united in marriage to Ronald Barthelmes at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Belva helped on the family farm and operated the combine until 2013 and later ran the tractor and hauled grain.

Belva was on the Dysart Cemetery Board and was the current President. She took a lot of pride in the cemetery. Belva was previously on the Tama County Extension Board. She enjoyed getting together with some of her high school classmates and attending class reunions. Her greatest joy was attending her grandchildren's activities, sporting events, and family reunions.

Survivors include her husband of sixty-one years, Ron of Dysart; her children, Robin (Larry) Farley of Denver, Bart Barthelmes of Clutier, and Bridgette Barthelmes of Traer; six grandchildren, Brianna, Luke and Brock Farley, Brandon, Clint, and Tyler Barthelmes; two great-grandchildren, Aiden and Caitlynn; and her sister, Arlis Childs.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Milo and Dorriss Degner; stepfather, Willard Hook; grandparents, William and Ella Degner, and Lee and Emma Clough.

A memorial fund will be established.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.