Phyllis Marjorie (Rethmeier) Busboom, 97, of Crete, passed away Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, surrounded by her children at Wilber Care Center. She was born Sept. 4, 1924, on a farm southwest of Crete to John and Pauline (Kubicek) Rethmeier.
Phyllis was baptized and confirmed at the Plymouth Congregational Church of Crete. She attended Red Brick country school through eighth grade and graduated from Crete High School in 1942. After graduation, she taught in area country schools for three years.
On June 10, 1943, Phyllis was united in marriage to Ben Edward Busboom. To this union, four children were born: David Edward, Thomas Paul, Susan Joy and Alan Dean. They farmed and lived on the family farm all of their married life. She was involved in 4-H as well as Ladies Aid for more than 70 years serving as an officer for many years.
She also served as the substitute pianist for the church. After Edward's death in 1968, Phyllis was employed by The Crete Hospital and the Crete Area Medical Center for 30 years until her retirement.
Phyllis is survived by her children, David Busboom, of Crete, Susan (Dr. Deane) Novak, of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, Alan (Regina) Busboom, of Norfolk, and daugther-in-law, Pam Busboom, of Crete; grandchildren, Ben (Karla) Busboom, of Omaha, Sabrina (Jesse) Dixon, of Milford, Amanda Busboom, of Elkhorn, Andrea (Josh) Bakenhus, of Elkhorn, Tim (Stephanie) Gall, of Topeka, Kansas, Aaron Novak, of Dorchester, Elizabeth (Komlan) Amegbeto, of Omaha and Jeremy (Holly) Gall of Omaha; great-grandchildren, Rory and Behrend Busboom, Justin and Jessa Dixon, Gage and Ellison Bakenhus, Liev, Landry and Lennyn Gall, Zafirah Amegbeto and Larkin and Kendall Gall. Other survivors include many nieces and nephews. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Edward; son, Thomas; her parents, John and Pauline; sisters, Marion Rethmeier and Roma Jean (Rethmeier) Means; brothers, John Jr. and Kenneth; and great-grandson Mason Dixon.
A memorial service was Nov. 15, at Plymouth Congregational-UCC in Crete. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the family for later designation. Condolences may be left for the family online at lincolnfh.com.
