Betty Jo Thomas (B J), 93, of Rocky Ford, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Pioneer Healthcare Center. She was born in La Junta, August 13, 1926 to William W. & Ralphine (Jones) Scholl. BJ and was one of four girls.

BJ attended school in La Junta, until she moved with her parents to Rocky Ford for her senior year of High School.

She married John Thomas on Sept. 18, 1951, they raised three daughters Judy, Sally and Tami.

BJ worked as a telephone operator and retired from Mountain Bell.

B J starting taking piano lessons at the age nine, she learned to play by ear and cord music, her parents and three sisters each played the piano and violin.

She played for Violet Rebecca Lodge, at both the Rocky Ford and La Junta Rotary Clubs, providing entertainment for numerous clubs, nursing homes, weddings, funeral services and other events throughout the Arkansas Valley.

B J served 30 years for RSVP volunteer work program, served as Silver King & Queen chairperson for the Arkansas Valley Fair;

A member of the First Christian Church; B J played the organ for more than 60 years, and taught Sunday School. B J and dear friend Amy Konishi were known by many as "Salt & Pepper." The duo were named "Pioneer Women of the Year in 2007" and "Citizens of the Year in 2012". They rarely missed a movie at the Grand Theater and were true & loyal friends indeed with so many good qualities it is hard to list them all.

She enjoyed art, pencil drawing and has many pieces framed, loved working jigsaw puzzles, the crossword puzzle and word search. She also enjoyed watching baseball and basketball on TV.

Most recently in August, B J represented Cottonwood Assisted Living at the Silver King & Queen contest, during the Arkansas Valley Fair and received runner up.

B J always took time to visit those in the nursing home and assisted living weekly. She will be missed by her family, friends and those she was able to touch through her music.

She is survived by; Daughter Judy (Todd) Davidson, of South Fork, CO; Daughter Sally (Jimmy) Cope, of Rocky Ford, CO; Daughter Tami Thomas, of Rocky Ford, CO; Sister Nola Miller, of Littlerock, WA; Sister - in - Law Mandy Bravo, of Swink, CO; Sister - in - Law Dolores Thomas, of Kirkland, WA; Grandson Jeremy (Kathy) Soden, of Rocky Ford, CO; Grandson Brett (Cheryl) McIntosh, of La Junta, CO; Grandson Chad (Jennifer) Soden, of Hickory, NC; Grandson Brandon (Nealee Phillips) McIntosh, of Fowler, CO; Grandson Jason Cope, of Trinidad, CO; Grandson Justin (Rebecca) Cope, of Brighton, CO; Granddaughter Erika (Quinn) Brown, of Farnam, NE; Granddaughter Tana (Deveree) Pearcy, of Colony, OK.

She is also survived by 23 great - grandchildren and 2 great - great grandsons, which B J proudly displayed with charms on her necklace, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

B J was preceded in death by her parents; husband; 2 sisters: Wilma Lewis & Wanda Coffer; numerous brothers - in law and sisters in - law.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 21st at Rocky Ford Grand Theater in Rocky Ford, CO with Pastor John Dell officiating. Inurnment will be in the Valley View Cemetery, Rocky Ford, CO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church 9th & Maple Rocky Ford, CO 81067 or Rocky Ford Grand Theater; 405 S. Main; Rocky Ford, CO 81067.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.