Betty June Thomas, age 86, a resident of Colorado Springs since 1946, went home to be with our Lord on Monday, December 2, 2013. She was the secretary with the family’s businesses, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Betty J. Wheeler was born on June 25, 1927 in Mohawk, Ohio to the late Russel and Mary (Fry) Wheeler. She married Rupert Leo Thomas on June 20, 1946 in Ohio, prior to moving to Colorado Springs.
She was a wonderful wife to her beloved, Rupert. They had a love that could not be measured. She raised two sons, John and Richard, with love, understanding and patience. She also was a very loving grandmother and great grandmother who was affectionately known as “Grandma Betty.” She was a good friend and was always there for her grandchildren.
She is survived by her loving son: John (wife, Joan) Thomas of Colorado Springs; her six grandchildren: Jeremy, Jenny, Julie, Vincent, Michelle and Tina. She also had six great-grandchildren: Jared, Megan, Kara, Jessie, Ceira and Nathan. Betty has several nieces and nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-law. Also surviving is her best friend: Joann Cranford.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 63 years: Rupert; her son: Richard, her brother: Max Wheeler; and her sisters-in-law: Barbara Thomas, Jean Costello, and Sally Wheeler; and her friends: Wanda Murphy, and Grace Fry.
She will be best remembered for her enjoyment of Bingo, and trips to Las Vegas and Cripple Creek. She was dearly loved by her family and will be deeply missed. Her family is comforted by the fact that she is now with her Lord and her family members that have gone on before her.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Friday, December 6, 2013 at the Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel. A reception will then follow at the Olympian Plaza Reception and Event Center, 975 S. Union Boulevard. Private entombment will be at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Gate of Heaven. Memorials in her name may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
The family would also like to acknowledge the love and care provided by the Pikes Peak Hospice team during Mrs. Thomas’ final days at John’s home.