Beatrice “Bea” A. Cain was born February 2, 1916 at Story City, Iowa the daughter of Andrew and Bertha Anderson.  She graduated from Estherville High School in 1934.

Bea was united in marriage to Floyd Mitchell Thomas on April 25, 1936.  The couple made their home in Spirit Lake, where they owned and operated an appliance retail and refrigeration repair store.  Floyd passed away July 4, 1953.  On December 27, 1960, Bea married Howard Neal Cain.

Bea was a member of the United Methodist Church in Spirit Lake, where she was active in the United Methodist Women.  She was also a member of the Dickinson County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the Lakes Art Center.

Bea passed away Sunday, February 12, 2006 at Hilltop Care Center in Spirit Lake at ninety years of age.

Early obstacles in Bea’s life, such as the premature loss of a husband and keeping a new small business solvent, were overcome because of a strong sense of determination and a keen mind.  After selling Thomas Refrigeration, she became the office manager for Drs. Burton Newell and Myron Zeigler.  Upon completion of eighteen years of service she retired to her home on Big Spirit.  Bea was very proud of her family and shared in their accomplishments.  Being fearlessly independent she was able to live alone, on the lake, through many Iowa winters, until her last month of life.  She enjoyed many years of bridge club where she made lasting friendships.  Always an Iowa Hawkeye fan, she anxiously awaited fall football and winter basketball games on TV.  She especially enjoyed her neighbors on the lake who showed her much kindness.  The family wishes to acknowledge the care and kindness of her friends and caregivers Joann and Marv Staake and Lu Anderson.

Bea is survived by her sons, Dr. John Philip Thomas and his wife Lynette and Dr. Michael Andrew Thomas and his wife Janice; grandchildren, Lisa Lynette Renshaw, Liane Christine Copple, John Michael Thomas and Michael Andrew Thomas, Jr; great-grandchildren, Austin Stephen DeWitt, Kenton Thomas Copple, Audra Kathleen Renshaw and Alexis Lydia Renshaw; niece, Sharon Anderson and a nephew, Dr. Richard Gamble.

She was preceded in death by her husbands Floyd M. Thomas and Howard N. Cain, granddaughter Kathleen Michaele Ryder, brothers, Arnold and Orvan Anderson and a sister, Margie Anderson.

In Loving Memory
Beatrice “Bea” Cain

February 2, 1916
February 12, 2006

SERVICES
Turner Funeral Home
Spirit Lake, Iowa
Friday February 17, 2006  10:30 AM

OFFICIANT
Rev. Kay Hooper

MUSIC
Jody Jenness ~ Keyboard
How Great Thou Art
Amazing Grace

PALLBEARERS
Carlton Mitchell
Roger Overrocker
Craig Newell
Bob Thorbroger

INTERMENT
Lakeview Cemetery
Spirit Lake, Iowa

In honor of Bea, memorials may be directed to the
Lakes Art Center