Thomas, Betsey Thorne

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thorne_betsey_thomasBetsey Thorne Thomas, 76, of Radford, passed away Monday, July 14, 2014, after a courageous 5-year battle with cancer. She leaves her husband of 56 years Robert W. “Bob” Thomas, children Richard Gregory Thomas of Raleigh, devoted caregiver daughter Coleen Thomas Gerow and son-in-law Philip Gerow of Mt. Vernon, VA, sister Jean Meier, Rochester, NY, and granddaughter Emily Thomas, Cary, NC. Born and raised in Rochester, she was preceded in death by parents Ruth and Francis Thorne, and brother John. She worked in various positions at universities in Iowa and in St. Louis. Betsey was a professional meeting planner in Alexandria, VA, and a state insurance organization planner in Raleigh, NC. She and Bob came to Pulaski to own WBLB Radio. Betsey helped to support the project by working at Ridgeway Clocks Div. of Pulaski Furniture. The two ran Claytor Lake Homestead Inn B&B briefly. Moving to Radford, she served on the Chamber of Commerce staff, was catering manager at Best Western Radford Inn, and retired as office assistant at WVRU radio, Radford University. She and Bob have been in the antiques business for some ten years. Betsey was an avid gardener whose backyard has been called “the neighborhood park.” Betsey was deeply devoted to God. They have been long-time members over the years at First United Methodist Church, Pulaski, and at Central United Methodist Church, Radford. No Flowers, please. Donations to either church would be appreciated. In lieu of a service, an open “gathering” of family and friends to remember Betsey in word and song will be held at Central UMC on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at 7:00 pm.
The Thomas family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com