Betty Jane Thomas, blessed this world with her presence on December 24,1924 and left her earthly home for eternal rest in Heaven with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 7, 2024 at the age of 99.

Born in Eldorado, Illinois, Betty was a cherished daughter to Marjorie and Paul Smith. She was raised in St. Louis, Missouri and pursued higher education at William Woods University. She was wed to her beloved husband Elmer Thomas on August 28, 1947. After a short stint in New York city, they moved their family to Springfield, Missouri, where she dedicated herself to nurturing her three sons, Brad, Ron, and John.

Betty was a rare gem, known for her infectious laughter and zest for life. She had a passion for storytelling and making jokes, a love for crafting limericks and poetry and was very talented with knitting and crocheting. Betty would regularly visit the library and loved to spend her afternoon with a good book. She could shop all day long at her favorite places like NBC and the Dollar Store. When together with family, Betty indulged in a glass of chardonnay with cheese and crackers while dancing to Louis Prima. She would often treat herself to a vanilla milkshake and always included her favorite side of peas and carrots. Betty reveled in a spirited game of cards and religiously tuned into her favorite shows like Jeopardy! and Laurence Welk.

She was a Christian who loved the Lord and knew how to live each day to the fullest, finding peace in the simplest things this life had to offer. Betty was the life of the party and enjoyed entertaining and spending time with those she loved.

Her home was the gathering place - a sanctuary of hospitality, where friends, neighbors, and family gathered around her cozy kitchen table, which now holds so many memories.

Betty Jane Thomas was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Thomas; parents, Marjorie and Paul Smith; her stepfather, Fred Goosen; her sister, Margaret Parisi  and husband Pete; brother, Paul Smith and wife Joan; and sister in law Ellen Slattery and husband George; nephew Jim Slattery. She is survived by her adoring sons, Brad Thomas and wife Suzy of Fremont Hills, Missouri; Ron Thomas and wife Susan of Plano, Texas; and John Thomas and wife Callie of Dallas, Texas, along with her cherished grandchildren, Kristen and husband Kevin Bergman of Springfield, Missouri; Megan and husband Josh Meredith of Ozark, Missouri; Natalie Thomas, Nicole Thomas, Jack Thomas, and Tara Thomas, all of Dallas, Texas as well as her beloved great-grandchildren, Madison, Ty and Quincey Bergman of Springfield, Missouri; James and Bradley Meredith of Ozark, Missouri; nephews, Mike Parisi and wife Ellen; George Slattery, Danny and wife Melody Slattery and great-nephews Michael Simpson, Joe Parisi, Nick Parisi and Jess Parisi all of the St. Louis, Missouri area.

A Communion Prayer Service in Celebration of Betty's life will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM at All Saints Anglican Church, 2751 E Galloway Street in Springfield, Missouri, followed by a graveside service at Rivermonte Memorial Gardens, 4500 South Lone Pine Avenue in Springfield, Missouri. Arrangements are entrusted to Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.

Betty's laughter, love, and unwavering kindness will forever illuminate the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her spirit soar eternally in the embrace of her Heavenly Father, where she now rests in peace.

Betty's family would like to express sincere gratitude for the exceptional care provided by her loving caregivers, Lynette Aultman, Vicky Newman and Kathy Meadors and her in-home nurse, Brooke Lurvey from St. Croix Hospice in Springfield.