Betty Jane Thomason
1928 – 2015

Betty Jane Burke Thomason, previously from Rock Port MO, passed away Dec. 13, 2015 in Scotts Valley, CA, where she lived with her husband Paul and their cat Sassie. Betty suffered from Parkinson’s disease but really enjoyed a full adventurous life.

Betty was born October 8, 1928 in Watson, MO to Homer and Maude Hudson. Betty was preceded in death by both her parents and her first husband Charles Mercer Burke. Betty and Charles raised their 3 daughters in Rock Port MO where the family business, Burke & Son’s Lumber Company, remains in operation with the Burke family at the helm.

Betty is survived by her husband Paul, who allowed Betty the chance to share travels, family and build more relationships. She is survived, as well, by Paul’s children Terry Thomason (Kathi), Elizabeth Taylor, Alfred Thomason (Connie), and Sue Schwee, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other immediate and extended family members that cared and loved Betty.

Betty is cherished by her three daughters and families, Jacqueline Crouthamel (Dan) Des Moines, IA, Kathleen Burke, Kansas City, MO and Susan Cornell (Jeff) Chino Valley, AZ, her grandson, Taylor Kennedy (Stacy) and great-granddaughter Lexi.

Betty was a strong, proud, educated professional and family woman by choice and by life’s journeys. She was a lovely, remarkable person, able to steer her children forward with knowledge and integrity.

Betty graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in 1950 and shortly thereafter married Charles Burke. They resided in Rock Port, where she taught English for a few years. Following Charles’ death in 1969, Betty returned to teaching English, later obtained a degree in Library Science, and became the school librarian.

Betty married Paul Thomason in 1981. Following retirement, they moved to Las Vegas, NV and in 2008, moved to Scotts Valley, CA. Once moving, Betty and Paul lived in a lovely apartment and were active in that community for many years. Betty was a favorite of many residents and caregivers. She continued learning and reading with books on tape, enjoyed her new great-granddaughter, Lexi, and listened to classical music, a favorite of her and daughter Jackie.

The date for Betty’s Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at Minter Funeral Chapel with a private service and inurnment at the High Creek Church and Cemetery in Watson, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the ASPCA at ASPCA, Honor/Memorial Program, 520 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018. You may call 800-628-0028 or visit the website at www.aspca.org and make a donation in Betty’s name.

Share online condolences at www.minterfuneralchapels.com

Services under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, 217 North Main Street, Rock Port, MO 64482