Gene Rumley

Robert Eugene “Gene” Rumley was the second son born to Roy and Helen (Snyder) Rumley on November 13, 1930 in Decatur County. He passed away peacefully at the Clarke County Hospital on February 3, 2021. He attended country school in Decatur County, graduating from Leon High School in May 1950. He married Mary Anne Bethards on May 25, 1952. They shared 3 children, Tony, Marla and Sheila.

Gene had many jobs through his lifetime, farmhand, pumping gas, truck driver, managing the 4x4 Walnut Grove feed store in Creston. They moved back to Osceola in 1965 where he drove a DX gas truck, MoorMans feed truck, ran a caterpillar, and finally worked for the Iowa State Department of Transportation, Road Division until retirement in 1993. Gene always provided for his family, many times having extra jobs on the side. He worked at the plastics factory following retirement. He loved being outside mowing, baling hay, driving a silage truck or caring for animals to name a few.

He loved his family, especially being a grandfather and great grandfather. He enjoyed horses, cattle and helping others. He helped many people in the community, doing their chores while they were away, caring for their animals. He had a horse or two for many years, riding with the Osceola Saddle Club, Sheriff’s Posse and going on many trail rides. Following knee replacement he turned to miniature horses, loving them as much as the big ones.

In the mid-1990s Mary Anne volunteered to run the hospital auxiliary snack shop, it wasn’t long before Gene joined her. They enjoyed stocking the shop with about everything the customers wanted and chatting with them. They made many long lasting friends through the years.

Those left to mourn his passing are his wife, Mary Anne of nearly 69 years. Their children, Tony Bethards of Leighton, IA; Marla Garity of Osceola, IA; Sheila (Roger) Kentner of Osceola, IA; 7 grandchildren, Jill (Brent) Poindexter of New Virginia, IA, Scott (Heather) Bethards of Leighton, IA, Cari Bethards of Pleasantville, IA, Michele (Tony) Langenberg of Flower Mound, TX, Danielle (Ryan) Stouder of Washington, IA, Nichole (Katrin) Hollinger of Aurora, CO, Nathan Kentner (companion Becca) of Osceola, IA; 12 great grandchildren, Leyton, Landyn and Kensley Bethards; Blake Kingsley, Reagan & Sydney Stouder; Ida & Wilma Hollinger; Justin Adams; Shelby, Caleb & Jacob Kentner; brother Ron Rumley of Osceola; sisters-in-law, Betty Bethards of Leon, IA, Mary Louise Blodgett of St. James, MO and Bev Rumley of Carlisle, IA; many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ray and James; sisters-in-law, Linda Rumley and Lois Bethards, and brothers-in-law Denzle and Dwain Bethards.

Visitation will open at 10 am on Thursday, February 11, 2021 with family greeting friends from 1:00 to 2:00 prior to the funeral at 2:00 pm on Thursday at Kale Funeral home in Osceola, with Pastor Amy Johnson officiating.

Social distancing and face coverings are REQUIRED for visitation and services. If you are unable to attend the service in person, a live stream will be available at www.kalefuneralhome.com on Gene’s tribute wall beginning at 2:00 PM on Thursday.

Memorials may be directed to the Clarke County Hospital or the Osceola United Methodist Church