Betty Jo (Lightner) Thomas, 83, died Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at Presbyterian Manor of the Plains in Dodge City. She was born on November 18, 1925 in Garden City, the daughter of Clint and Vanita (Spencer) Lightner.

Betty graduated from Garden City High School. On December 20, 1942, she married Charles Porter Thomas, Sr. in Garden City. He preceded her in death on September 1, 2003. They moved to Cimarron in 1946. Betty worked at Cimarron Insurance. In 1962, her family purchased the John Deere dealership in Cimarron. She worked at the dealership until her retirement.

She was a member of First Christian Church of Cimarron as well as the Business Professional Women and the V.F.W. Auxilary both of Cimarron.

Betty is survived by her son, Clinton "Pete" C. Thomas and wife Jane of Cimarron; her daughter, Joetta S. Neuschafer and husband Larry of Cimarron; a foster daughter, Susan Wallace and husband Denis; and a daughter-in-law, Judy Thomas of Cimarron. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband Charles, Betty was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Robert Lightner, and her son Charles "Tom" P. Thomas, Jr.

Funeral service will be held at the First Christian Church of Cimarron on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 10:30 AM with Mr. David Johnson and Rev. Dick Robbins presiding. Burial will follow at Cimarron Cemetery in Cimarron. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Cimarron, on Friday, October 30, 2009 from noon to 8:00 PM. Memorials can be made to the Presbyterian Manor of the Plains or to Hospice of the Prairie in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.