Betty J. Thomas

Betty J. Thomas, age 93, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Stormont Vail Hospital.

Betty was born on October 15, 1931, in Topeka, the daughter of Raymond and Caroline (Porubsky) Wolford. 

She started her working career in the medical field, working in the newborn nursery at Stormont Vail Hospital. Betty later worked for various ENT and Eye Doctors including Dr. Edward J. Collins, M.D., until her retirement. Her hobbies included sewing, quilting and craft making. She and her husband enjoyed ballroom dancing. 

Betty met Walter “Walt” Thomas in junior high when they started dating and she graduated from Topeka High School in 1950. She and Walt were married on June 15, 1950, sharing 61 years together until Walt’s passing on October 12, 2011.

Survivors include her twin sister, Barbara J. Viti (Joe) of Tallmadge, OH; three children, twins, Daniel Thomas and Diane Rose (Leroy), and daughter, Cheryl Buckles (Larry) all of Topeka. Other survivors include six grandchildren; three step grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, and numerous step great grandchildren. Also surviving are several beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Carl and Elizabeth Porubsky, her parents, a special daughter-in-law, Laura Thomas, and a beloved grandson, Matthew Thomas.

A rosary will be said at 5:30 P.M., on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, followed by visitation until 8:00 P.M., at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home. 

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 A.M., on Wednesday, December 18, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery-Topeka. 

Memorial contributions can be made in Betty’s memory to Helping Hands Humane Society and/or Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries. Contributions can be mailed or left with the funeral home.

To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit, www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.