BETTY LOU THOMPSON passed away peacefully with her family at her side on July 7, 2022 at the age of 93 years.

Betty is survived by a large supportive family who adored her as much as she adored them. Those left behind to mourn her passing include her children: Wayne (Pam) Thompson, Gary (Betty Anonson) Thompson, Gail Thompson, Gayle (Nick) Bowes, Sherry (Alan) Norris, Joy (Bill) Derry, Teri (John Ondrik) Johnston, Trevor (Wendy) Thompson and Shaun (Michele) Thompson.

Betty is also survived by one sibling, Margie (Ray) Johnston, two sisters-in-law, Doreen Irwin and Joyce Suberlak, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Betty and Bernie have 18 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Bernie, siblings Ted (Marg) Oveson and Don (Betty) Oveson, and parents Oral and Irene Oveson.

Betty was born November 16, 1928. She grew up and went to school in the Lucky Strike area. She moved to Lethbridge to attend high school where she met her beloved Bernie. The two married and the young couple set out to make their way in the world.

Betty had many talents, the least of which was the ability to produce amazing children; eight of them. She was a member of the Pythian Sisters and the Vasa Lodge for many years. Betty was a fantastic seamstress, both out of necessity and because she truly enjoyed seeing the finished product. She also enjoyed quilting and all eight children received a 'handmade with love' personalized quilt that she insisted was to be used and not stashed away.

Besides caring for the needs of her children, Betty also held down a variety of jobs, many of which included cooking. She was a fabulous cook and ran a catering business out of the Vasa Lodge for a number of years. Betty was also a talented baker, making and decorating wedding cakes for very many brides and grooms.

Betty and Bernie loved to camp and for numerous years held the position of camp hosts at a variety of provincial park campgrounds in southern Alberta.

Betty was a warm, caring, compassionate and loving person who found it easy to laugh and always enjoyed a family gathering, a good joke and a good party. She was easy to visit with and made friends wherever she was. As a result, her friendship base is extensive.

Betty lived in her own home until March of 2020, at which time she moved into the Blue Sky Lodge just in time for the pandemic lockdown. This severely limited her contact with family which was very hard on her. Because of this, she decided to get an iPad to learn how to FaceTime with everyone. She was so glad when the restrictions were lifted and she was able to see more of the family in person.

Although we are all saddened to see her go, she went knowing she was well-loved and we let her go knowing we were well-loved. Her very last words were, "I love you all."

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. where Betty will be laid to rest with her beloved husband Bernie. This ceremony will be livestreamed, which can be accessed via Betty's obituary on Cornerstone's website.

A Come-and-Go Memorial Reception will be held at SANDMAN SIGNATURE LETHBRIDGE LODGE, 320 Scenic Dr. S, Lethbridge, Alta. on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Betty, hug someone you love.