Betty R. Ohm, 87 of Sioux City, Iowa passed away Monday, May 27, 2024 at her home, surrounded by her loved ones. Funeral Services will be held 11:00am Friday, May 31, 2024 at the Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City, 4125 Orleans Ave. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Betty R. Ohm (POOPS)

The lady with the many decorated canes for each holiday.

She was born June 22, 1936 in South Sioux City, NE to Helen and Ralph Wilson, and raised in South Sioux City by her mother, Helen, and adopted father, Ralph Vitito. She attended South Sioux City High School, graduating in 1954.

While working at the Dairy Queen in Sioux City she met her first husband Bob Waggoner and together they had four children, Marc, Kirk, Kari and Todd.

In May 1969 she married Gene Ohm, who was the blessing in their lives and could never be replaced.

They opened a used car lot and pawn shop, and Poops ended up working beside him. When she turned 62 Gene booted her out the door to have fun. So she approached her friend of many years, Lois Meier, and they put a few travels under their belts. She had the greatest of memories with her. Lois, plan on getting Kari and we will do some CLOUD trips. We aren’t done yet and we will carry on the tradition.

As you well know Gene has put her favorite past time (decorated canes) all lit up to help light her journey. So dear friends and family that journey has started to be with daughter Kari, who passed away from cancer in 2007. Open the pearly gates so she can be with her once again.

When it was time to decorate her canes, it was also time to decorate Kari’s grave. She never missed a holiday. With the help of her sister Carolyn and hubby Dan, it was the talk of the cemetery. One time when they were decorating, a man who was showing a couple where their family was buried, took the time to come over and comment on the decorating. He said that he had been with the cemetery for 10 years and always admired decorating a pretty special lady (the man’s comment) and that of the whole cemetery.  Kari always stood out and many thought that it was beautiful. So thank you to that young man for taking the time to enjoy one more beauty.

In Poops words:

When I get to Heaven (assuming I am going up not down, as I am afraid of heights), I am sure Kari will be at the first cloud with open arms. This journey is taking me away from my loving family, but I will experience the joy of knowing I will be with Kari and she knows God has a plan, but this one is hard to accept.  Many long years will be filled with her hugs and in my arms once again. I know you will be happy for Kari and me.  So move over clouds, I sure hope the Angels have given her better driving lessons! Be sure to slip in my pinking shears, as I may have to do some redesigning in the clouds.

To Gene, the love of my life, you have filled our many years together even though I was still raising you. HA!  The heartaches, the loss of loved ones, the memories will go on for many years with our sons and their families beside you taking my place.  I would give anything to spend one more day in your arms, I love you sooooo much. We will be together one day again.

As for my sons, I leave you with a sad heart and many tears.  Keep your families safe and never stop telling them you love them, as life passes us by too fast!  May your love and laughter follow Kari and I with open arms.

Are you ready Kari?  Here I come!

Those left behind to cherish her memories are her husband Gene of 55 years.

Son Marc (Elaine) grandsons Lance (Carley) and Bryce, and great grandchildren Londyn, Levi, Everly and Auggie

Son Kirk (Janice), granddaughter Colleen (Philipp).

Son Todd (Janice), grandsons TJ (Josh) and Drew (Sarah) and great granddaughter, Elliot.

Sister Carolyn (Dan) and brother Gary (Sondra)

My son's stepmother Barb (Tom) son Kyle, daughter Allison (Chuck) Caitlyn and Cole.

Sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Steve) and family.

She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Ralph Vitito, daughter Kari, brother Jack Vitito,  great grandson Robert Parks, and three nephews, Dale, Perry, and Eric.