Elizabeth “Betty” Thornton

Elizabeth P. “Betty” Thornton, 87 of Tipton died at 9:30 am on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at her residence.  She was born in Tipton on September 16, 1932 to Frances V. & Francis T. (Koors) Dane.  She married Robert Kenneth Thornton on September 5, 1964 and he preceded her in death on February 8, 2000.

Betty grew up on a farm east of Tipton and was a part of a large thirteen-member family.  She attended St. John’s Elementary School as a child and graduated from St. Joseph Academy in 1950.  Betty learned at an early age what hard work, responsibility and sharing entailed.  From milking cows before and after school, gathering eggs, working in the garden, baling hay and straw, she always did her part. This hard work and dedication continued throughout her life.

Betty worked at Tipton County Memorial Hospital for over 55 years, starting when it first opened in 1950.  She began her career as a receptionist and switchboard operator, retired in the accounting department and was awarded the State of Indiana Distinguished Hoosier award by Governor Mitch E. Daniels.  Betty was an active member in the community.  She was on the hospital softball team, as well as an avid bowler once participating in three leagues at the same time.  She bowled in many state and national tournaments and was a member of the Tipton Women’s and Bowling Association Hall of Fame.  Besides bowling, Betty was also an avid sports fan, from basketball, football, baseball and golf, you could always count on a watching a sporting event when visiting!

Betty was a life-long member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, a member of the Altar Rosary Society and the American Legion. She was also a life-time member of the Women of the Moose, invested into the Red Stole of the College of Senior Regents of the Women of the Moose.  Betty enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchre, and was in a Euchre club with her husband Bob.  Betty was known as a gracious host and loyal friend. From baking birthday cakes for her co-workers, sending greeting cards, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, hosting family reunions and enjoying life to the fullest, you could always find Betty with a friendly smile and a helping hand.

Survivors include one daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Dean and husband John of Atlanta; three grandchildren, Laura K. Dean-Buelt of Fishers, Derrick S. Dean and wife Wendy of Atlanta, and Justin A. Dean of Atlanta; Five great-grandchildren, Bradley Buelt (13), Ethan Buelt (10), Karly Dean (17), Zander Dean (11) and Jade Dean (9).  Betty is also survived by three sisters, Christine Ehman, Kokomo, Rosina Simms, Lake Forest, California and Carolyn Biddle and husband Marvin Tipton.

Betty was preceded in death by seven siblings, Joseph, Henry, Bernanrd and Clem Dane, Mary Griffin, Margaret Brown and Francis Shawhan.

A funeral mass for Betty will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Rev. Dennis Goth presiding.  Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 15, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Young-Nichols Funeral Home where the Rosary will be recited at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Betty’s memory to the Building Fund at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 335 Mill Street, Tipton, IN, 46072.