Betty Gene Thomas

Betty Gene Thomas was born April 26, 1922 in Waterloo, IA. She was the youngest of 5 children to Roland and Nina Sanford, and the last surviving child. She married Donald Earl Thomas in September of 1940 in Vancouver, WA. Don passed in January 1994. They had 5 lovely children; Sandra, Lynette, Wayne, Cathy and Brenda. Cathy passed in April of 1999. She is also survived by 7 Grandchildren; Troy, Lisa, Chris, Ty, Katie, Ericka and Kayla and 12 great-grandchildren; Dylan, Carson, Taylor, Jessica, Ryan, Tobin, Grace, Jacob, Carie, Cameron, James, Taylor, and Alec and 1 great-great granddaughter; Adrienne and 1 great-great grandson Jack. Betty worked in banking and retail. In 1980 Don and Betty retired to Nedonna Beach, Oregon. After Don died in January 1994, she moved to Tualatin, Oregon and remained there the balance of her life. Betty thrived in Tualatin, becoming involved in many activities. She was a regular at the Juanita Pohls Senior Center Monday through Friday. She helped in many capacities at the center, whatever job she was given she would follow through. She was often referred to as Sergeant Betty! She made sure the senior center folks didn’t break any rules! She was also a member of the Hilltop United Methodist Church and served on the steering committee, helped with rummage sales/potlucks and summer camp when asked. As her Alzheimer’s progressed Betty continued to have volunteer jobs at the center and was a faithful member who always arrived by 9:30 in the morning and stayed until 2:30 every day. The Tri-Met lift would bring her 3 days a week. Her faithful, longtime and loving friend; Donna James took her on Thursday and Friday. Betty never missed a beat. She continued to play cards every Tuesday night with the usual gang at the center often bringing home goodies that she was given which made her so excited! She made sure, by standing in the doorway when everyone came to play cards, that they paid their $1 fee! She enjoyed the Friday bingo days, allowing her to win 1 more box of cereal. (The cupboard always had enough cereal to feed a large family!). Betty will be fondly remembered for all the good she did for others throughout her life. She also leaves fond memories for our taste buds with the specialties she made: raisin filled cookies, apple strudel, apple pie, million dollar fudge and Swedish pancakes. She will continue to take charge while in heaven with her gum in her mouth and her hankie and lipstick in her pocket. She will rest in peace as much as she can, but no doubt will still be that busy lady we all remember! In Betty's memory memorial contributions would be appreciated to the Alzheimer' Association ~ www.alz.org or Meals On Wheels Tualatin, 8513 SW Tualatin Rd., Tualatin, OR 97062 Service Information