BETTY JO THOMPSON, age 86, of Hobart, passed away Monday, October 19, 2015 at home while surrounded by her family. Betty was born on July 10, 1929 in Draper, KY. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of New Chicago and shared her time and talents as church pianist. She loved providing the music for Vacation Bible School and also served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. Betty will be remembered as a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend who opened her home and heart to all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her 4 sons, Andy (Eden) Thompson of Merrillville, Dale (Cathy) Thompson of Hobart, Van (Sue) Thompson of Merrillville, and Rodney (Paula) Thompson of Portage; 3 daughters, Kathy (Mike) Compton of Hobart, Susan Thompson of Hobart, and Connie (Don) Wirick of Portage; 8 grandchildren, Charity (Ron) Ferguson, Michele (Jason) Rodriguez, Todd Compton, Sara (Shaun) Ciesielski all of Hobart, and Steven (Ashley) Thompson of Portage, Tyler, Zachary, and Amber Thompson of Portage; 9 great grandchildren, MaKinzy and Peyton Rodriguez of Hobart, Rio, Lilly, and Liam Ferguson of Hobart, Zoey Thompson of FL, and Isabella, Aurora, and Bree Ciesielski of Hobart; brother, Toby Ridenour of Clinton, TN; and sister, Judy (James) Stone of Hobart; other loving family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Clyde, in 1991; parents, T.L. and Ruth Ridenour; sister and brother-in-law, Julia (James) Warwick; sister-in-law, Doris Ridenour.

A funeral service for Betty will be Friday, October 23, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of New Chicago, 401 Huber Blvd., Hobart, with Rev. Donald Good officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, October 22, 2015 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. also at First Baptist Church of New Chicago. For information, please contact Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel (219) 942-2109 or go online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.