Betty Marie Thacker

Betty Thacker was a mother born in heaven, she returned to heaven on November 4th 2022. My brother, sister and I loved her dearly. As children we prayed for God to protect our Mother, that we might keep her with us always. Near the end of her life, we prayed that God take her gently, freeing her from all pain and cares. Born September 15, 1929 in a two room house near Whitehall, Indiana with a roof that leaked, no indoor plumbing, no electricity and no central heating, my Mom had a father she adored, Harry Stogsdill, a sister to protect, Naomi Lucas, and a loving mother, Eva Stogsdill. She first attended Vernal School, a one room schoolhouse in Monroe County, where she loved to skate at recess on the frozen creek behind the school. At 14 she was excited to attend and later graduate from Ellettsville High School, which allowed her to meet new people and learn new things. She loved learning. Even in later life when taught how to use a computer, her eyes would sparkle with the endless possibilities at her fingertips. She graduated from high school in 1947 and immediately took a job on line 8 at RCA. She later became a secretary in the factory’s office where she could use her amazing typing and dictation skills. In November of 1947 she married Willis Thacker. In February 1952 she gave birth to a daughter, Judy Thacker Morran (Keith) of Bloomington who 29 and 33 years later gifted Betty with two cherished grandchildren, Levi Thacker Morran (Emily) of Atlanta and Gabriel Thacker Morran (Samantha) of Bloomington, who years later gave Betty, Magdalene Morran, Daisy Delph-Morran and Beau Morran, her beloved great-grandchildren. In March 1953, she had another daughter Julie Thacker Romas (Lynn) who lives in Brazil, Indiana. In October 1955 Betty gave birth to James Ross Thacker (Kate Ward) who lives in St. Louis, Missouri and Homer, Alaska. Mom’s greatest love in life was being with her family, loving them, learning with them, and nurturing them. Her later jobs were often selected to help her children. She worked at the Neumode Gift shop, where her three children modeled in the style shows given by the store in the 1950’s-60’s, so Betty could buy their clothes half price. Next, she worked at Bloomington National Bank as a teller where she always balanced her money totals every day. Finally, she took several jobs at Indiana University working for the Bursar's office as a teller for the Halls of Residence, monetary clerk for Sponsored Students, and then as Administrative Accounts Clerk for the Indiana University Overseas Study Program. By working at Indiana University, her children could receive half tuition and afford college. Thus, Betty fulfilled her life-long dream of sending her children to college. In 1988 Willis Thacker died and Betty remarried Wayne Chipman of Bloomington, IN in 1996 and shared her love with more: his daughters Sherry Chipman Schinbeckler (Woody) Plymouth IN, and Jill Chipman Sparks (Terry) of Bloomington, IN and their children Jill Ann Meador of Plymouth IN, Kelly Schinbeckler of Bremen, IN, Bethany Ward (Grant) of Bloomington, Jodi Neal (Scot) of Bloomington, IN, and Kimberlin Crook (JD) of Chapel, FL with 18 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren. Wayne also brought with him the loving congregation of the Bloomington United Presbyterian Church which Mom embraced, while maintaining her lifelong membership to the Whitehall Wesleyan Church. The United Presbyterian Church blessed her with many cards and flowers as well the help of church member, Dr. Souheil Haddad, who extended many kindnesses and expertise to Mom during her last year. Our family would also like to extend a special note of appreciation and thanks to the incredible staff at Stonecroft Health Campus for their love and care of Mom and for all the many extras they extended to her daily. Also, deep gratitude to Drs. Strobel, Gettelfinger, Weidenbener, Villejo, Ludlow, Lafollette and his nurse Kathy who were essential to her wellbeing and soul. Sincere thanks and appreciation to Elara Hospice staff for guidance, care, and support. Mom spent her life sharing kindness with the world. She made peoples' lives better and enjoyed giving to others. She loved distributing cookies and kringles at Christmas. Besides her family her other passion was driving. She learned to drive when she was 6 on her father’s lap on a model A Ford and drove well until she was 92. She could identify all makes and models of cars and frequently knew what was wrong with a car that needed repairs. She even drove her mother and sister home from Chicago as a teen when her father was reassigned to Crane from Navy Pier following WWII. She taught us to put others first, to ask questions and to believe that if “others could do it, we could, too. There’s a hole in our hearts and lives but Betty Thacker is free. Fly, Mom!! A Celebration of Life honoring both Betty Thacker and her precious sister, Naomi Lucas, will be held at the United Presbyterian Church 1701 E 2nd ST, Bloomington IN on December 18, 2022 at 4:00PM and will be officiated by Alejandra Haddad. Born April 17, 1931 Naomi Lucas was our cherished aunt who followed her sister Betty Thacker in death November 8, 2022. Daughter of Harry and Eva Stogsdill of Whitehall IN, she and Betty Thacker, her older sister, loved and supported each other for 91 years. Naomi was married to John William “Bill” Lucas of Bloomington IN until Bill passed away in 1985. She worked on the line for Sarkes Tarzian and Cook Incorporated. She graduated from Ellettsville High School with the class of 1949. She loved photography and captured treasured family moments with her lens. She also loved rock collecting attending many rock shows at the Monroe County fairgrounds. She and Bill also raised Tennessee Walkers. Primarily she loved her family. She was extremely close with her nieces, Judy Thacker Morran (Keith) of Bloomington IN, Julie Thacker Romas (Lynn) of Brazil IN and her nephew, James Ross Thacker (Kate Ward) of St. Louis MO and Homer AK. She also deeply loved her two great nephews, Levi Thacker Morran (Emily) of Atlanta GA and Gabriel Thacker Morran (Samantha) of Bloomington IN, and their children Magdalene Morran, Daisy Delph-Morran, and Beau Morran. Again, our family is deeply indebted to the Stonecroft Health Campus staff for the love and care given to our aunt. Elara hospice also provided expertise, caring support and guidance in our aunt’s last days for which we are so grateful. Two caring organizations that eased our loved ones lives. Sisters Betty Thacker and Naomi Lucas were a great team on Earth, forming an everlasting bond of love. They were always together and will be for eternity. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com for the Thacker family.