Betty J Loomis

Betty J Loomis, 96 of Paynesville, died on Friday, June 5, 2026 at her home in Paynesville.  Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Paynesville Lutheran Church in Paynesville. Visitation will be for 2 hours prior to the service. Burial will be in the Paynesville Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Jim and Betty Loomis Fund at the Paynesville Area Community Foundation. Arrangements are with the Harvey Anderson and Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville.  

Betty Jane Loomis was born on January 10, 1930, in Norcross, MN, to John and Myrtle (Drexler) Gerber. She attended country grade school and graduated from Elbow Lake High School in 1947. She earned a degree from Moorhead State Teachers College 1950 and began her teaching career in Lamberton alongside college classmates who became dear lifelong friends. In 1951 she accepted a position at Paynesville Elementary, where she met her future husband, Jim Loomis.

Betty and Jim were married on August 8, 1953, in Norcross, MN. They lived in Paynesville until they found their ideal home on Lake Koronis in 1959. They raised six children and shared 72 years of marriage at the lake until Jim's death on April 13, 2026.

Betty was a faithful member of Paynesville Lutheran Church where she served as a church librarian and taught Sunday School. She enjoyed golf, bowling, bridge and participated in many social and community service groups. Betty was a trusted and loving friend to many near and far, fostering close friendships with her attentive kindness and joyful warmth. With a delicate attention to beauty around her, Betty loved reading, travelling, gardening, scrapbooking, crocheting and sewing.

Betty was a present, caring and nurturing mother and grandmother who was always sharing encouraging support, practical wisdom, and valuable life lessons with her children. She loved cooking, baking and curated a beautiful home to host her family. Her quiet strength and unassuming kindness were at the heart and soul of the family. She made home a home.

Betty is survived by her children, Sara (Bruce) Turrell of Paynesville, Tom (Michele) Loomis of Denton, TX, John (Barbara) Loomis of Cape Charles, VA, Bob (Kenny Wong) Loomis of Seattle, WA, Mary (Jerry) Scott of Grand Haven, MI and Mike Loomis of Paynesville; 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents and siblings, Arvin and Jeanette.