Betty Thompson, formerly of Antigo, died Friday, February 1, 2013 at The Renaissance in Weston. She was 96 years old. She was born on June 29, 1916 a daughter of George and Jenny Pence in Indianapolis, Indiana.
As a child she moved to the Antigo area. She graduated from Antigo High School, attended Langlade County Normal School and Stevens Point State College.
She taught in several rural one room schools in Langlade County. Her first teaching job was in the town of Parrish where she had to hide the fact that she was married as teachers could not work and be married at that time. Roy was preparing to be sent to the South Pacific during WWII so they were married on July 26, 1941 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi during his twenty four hour pass from the Army base.
Betty came back to Antigo following the wedding and told only her mother that they had gotten married. They were married for 69 years and operated a farm in Antigo. They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States for many years. Roy preceded her in death on June 10, 2010.
Mrs. Thompson was a member of Faith United Church of Christ in Antigo and their Candlelight Circle. She was a 4-H and brownie scout leader, was a member of Theta Epsilon Homemakers Club, the Antigo Women's Club and the Antigo Area Fine Arts Club.
She enjoyed needle work, knitting and was a member of several bridge clubs. She served as chair of the Make-it-yourself with Wool contest for many years.
Mrs. Thompson has been of resident of The Renaissance in Weston for the past five years where she traded stories with her caregivers, rejoiced upon the arrival of their new babies and worried and counseled them on some of their life choices as if they were her own children. Betty stayed connected to her Antigo community and loved to discuss past and current happenings with staff and residents who also had roots in the Antigo area.
Survivors include a daughter Kay (Milton) Olson, Wausau, a son Judd (Sharon) Thompson, Seymour; four grandchildren Jalane (Mike) Sauer, Brian (Paula) Olson, Arica (Matt) Klewer and Matt (Kierstin) Thompson; five great-grandchildren Collin, Jaden and Parker Sauer, Lucy and Polly Olson.
In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by a sister Mary Bailey.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home, 1550 Neva Road (Hwy 45) Antigo, with Rev. Mark Lewis, from the Spirit of Life Lutheran Church in Mosinee officiating.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society 903 S 17th Ave. Suite B Wausau, WI 54401-5740.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to the entire Renaissance staff for their kindness and friendship shown throughout the years.
Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com
Services
Visitation
Antigo, WI 54409
Service
Antigo, WI 54409
The staff of American Cancer Fundâ„¢ at www.AmericanCancerFund.org is sorry to hear of Betty's passing. We have just received a memorial donation in her name and our sincere condolences go out to her family.
Dear Kay and Judd and Sharon,
It has been so many years since I've seen you all.
Both of your parents were so dear to me and I have many memories of them at the little Unity UCC church on Deleglise St. and then after we married, I would always enjoy seeing them at Faith United Church of Christ when we would get back to Antigo from our home in MT. and now in FL.
How blessed I was to have known them and I send you my warmest sympathy and prayers on the passing of your beloved mom. After she left Antigo after your Dad's passing, I always missed seeing her friendly face and sweet smile when back in church worship.
God bless you all ..
Valerie (Carlson) Raisch
Heaven has recieved a very special angel. I was a CNA @ Renaissance and was thrilled when I was doing Betty's hair one day and we started talking about our "Antigo" connection. Betty was friends and camped many places with my Great Aunt Gladys and Uncle Carl. Thru tear filled eyes with a smile on my face I felt family connection in my heart. I enjoyed many other talks with Betty hearing her tales of camping adventures. The colorful glass decor and precious plates reminded me of visiting at my relatives when I was young. I hold our time together as a treasure. And I'm sure they are camping in heaven! Bless Betty and her family.
My deepest condolences to the family!
I met Betty at Renaissance as she lunched with my Mother, Clara. We grew to love this fine lady and she was so entertaining and such a joy to spend time with. I always looked forward to seeing her. She would always shake her finger at me and say, "ok now, you are..........Bonnie!" And I would say, "that's correct." Then she would smile.....there were three of us sisters that would visit Mom and Betty would sometimes get us mixed up because she thought we all looked a like.
She's an angel in Heaven now a long with Mom.
Rest in Peace Dear Betty!
We sooo loved getting to know Betty at lunches with our mother, Clara..(far right)
To the Family of Our Dear Betty...We met your wonderful mother in October 2011 at Renaissance, where our mother Clara was residing. (Mom fell in August 2011, at her home, watering her flowers and passed March 28, 2012. She was 96 years old also) Mom was a little older than your mom, (February 1916) and one day Little Betty said to our Mom..."Now...DON'T be telling me what to do, just cause you'e older than me". We loved her little stories, and we will remember her always for the gentle, kind, witty and pretty lady she was. Mom loved having her lunches with Betty, Florence and Doris, and so looked forward to seeing her friends every day!!!! We shall never forget the memories. Now our mom and Betty are together...always.
Dear Kay, As a past member of Unity United Church of Christ in Antigo, I remember both of your parents. They were always very gentle and kind. The Candlelight Circle was very dear to me...it was a great group of ladies! My sincere sympathy for your loss.
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