Betty "Arlene" Jacobs

Betty “Arlene” (Bates) Jacobs, age 87, of Albia, IA, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024, at her home. Arlene was born on June 23, 1937, daughter of Joseph Henry “Johnny” and Cora Alice (Fisher) Bates, at home in Monroe County. She grew up and attended Tick Ridge Country School, a one-room schoolhouse, before attending and graduating from Albia High School with the class of 1955. On June 26, 1955, she was united in marriage to Charles “Jake” Eugene Jacobs at the Otterbine United Methodist Church in Albia. Arlene and Jake were blessed with 3 children, Sheila, Mark, and John, and 66 years of marriage prior to Jake’s passing on September 15, 2021. Arlene worked at several jobs over the years. While attending high school, she worked at the Kit’s Café and Duea Motor Company before staying home to take care of her children. She later went to work as a bookkeeper at Behnkes, then GB Equipment before working in assembly at Wells Manufacturing in Centerville. She later went back to work as a bookkeeper for the Albia Sale Barn and lastly worked as a cook/baker for the Albia School District. Throughout the years, Arlene also actively helped Jake manage their farm. Arlene was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia. She was a 4-H leader, an active alumni member of the FFA, and past President of the Cowbells. She and Jake enjoyed square dancing and were members of the Lads and Lassies square dancing club. They also enjoyed Hee Haw shows where they participated in skits and Arlene shared her talent of yodeling. Arlene also shared this talent through the Nutty Buddies, a band that traveled around to care centers to provide entertainment for the residents. Arlene enjoyed gardening, as well as canning and freezing produce. Later in life, she enjoyed feeding and watching the birds. She loved animals, especially her cats and dogs, Fuzzy, Twinkie, Missy, and Brandy. Above all else, Arlene loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Arlene is survived by her children, Sheila Sample and Mark Jacobs, both of Albia and John (Selena) Jacobs of Ottumwa; 5 grandchildren, Guy Jr. (Tara) Sample, Amy (Travis) Kaster, Samuel Jacobs and his fiancée Courtney Burgess, Elijah Jacobs, and Gabriel Jacobs; 5 great grandchildren, Trey Sample, Guy Sample III, Gus Sample, Olivia Kaster and Josiah Kaster; and a sister-in-law, Helen Cook. Arlene is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. Arlene is preceded in death by her husband, Jake; her parents, Johnny and Cora Bates; a brother, Donald Spurgin; a sister in infancy; a son-in-law, Guy Sample; a sister-in-law, Marjorie Gorsuch; and a brother-in-law, Donald Cook. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Arlene’s family present from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Richard Grimes officiating. Burial will follow services at the Blakesburg Cemetery in Blakesburg, IA. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the Albia Trinity Church and the Monroe County Fairgrounds.

Betty "Arlene" Jacobs

June 23, 1937 - September 27, 2024