Betty (Thompson) Thomas

Betty Thomas, 87, of Storrs, CT, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2017 at the Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was the daughter of Harley and Edith (Lilley) Thompson of Peru, Iowa. Betty had a long and active life filled with family, friends, and laughter. She enjoyed fishing and raising sheep on the family farm in Redfield, Iowa. She had a passion for collecting shells, rocks, and minerals, and spent many years? fossil hunting during her retirement in Cape Coral, Florida. Betty also had an avid interest in photography. She was rarely without a camera in hand, and she had a special gift for taking candid portraits that captured the essence of the soul. Betty worked in retail most of her life and enjoyed many years as the manager of the Toy Fair store in Des Moines, Iowa. Betty?s most important job was that of dedicated mother. She was a cheerleader for her children in all school and sporting events. She loved all her grandchildren and enjoyed teaching them how to fish. Along with her parents, Betty was predeceased by her brothers Robert Thompson and Larry Thompson. She leaves behind her three beloved children; Cynthia Sederquest of Vernon, CT, James Thomas (Teri) of South Fort Myers, Florida, and Michael Thomas (Sandy Callahan) of North Conway, N.H., grandchildren; Christopher Russo, Taylor Thomas, Trevor Thomas, Hannah Thomas, and Alan Beck, and three great grandchildren: Frank Thomas, Chad Thomas, and Tayla Thomas. Betty is also survived by her loving sister Judith Gearheart of Ankey, Iowa along with nieces and nephews, John Gearheart Jr., Kimberly Sullivan, Linda Richardson, and Diana Gardner. Betty also leaves her cousin and dearest friend Beverly Rigler of Olathe, Kansas The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Juniper Hill Village and The Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Storrs for their exceptionally loving care. Betty considered all of you her friends and family. Memorial donations may be made to Juniper Hill Village (One Silo Circle) or The Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation (100 Warren Circle), both in Storrs, CT 06268. Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. To sign the online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.comCharitable donations may be made to:Mansfield Center for Nursing and RehabilitationAttn: Recreation Dept., 100 Warren Circle, Mansfield CT 06268Tel: 1-860-487-2300Web: http://www.mcnr.orgJuniper Hill VillageOne Silo Circle, Storrs CT 06268