Betty Joanne Thewes

Betty Joanne Thewes, 79, passed away on April 7, 2024.

Betty was committed to her faith and dedicated to helping others. She became a member of First Baptist Church in Charlestown, as they welcomed her into their family. Her church family was a huge influence on her new-found happiness in Indiana. She enjoyed volunteering at church and a local food bank. She also started a new family tradition of collecting money for underprivileged kids so they could have Christmas. Betty joined a gym and found a new passion in working out. In her free time, she would most likely be found playing Yahtzee or reading.

Betty was a devoted mother for well over half of her life. Her kids know her love was endless and that spilled over to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she visited and texted often. She expressed on numerous occasions how proud she was of her brother and sisters, considering the challenges they faced during childhood. They stayed together and created a tight-knit family. She loved having everyone gather at her house, particularly on holidays like Christmas and Derby.

Betty also loved to spend her winters down in Florida with her sister and brother-in-law. She made lots of friends at Bayside Community Church who loved her very much and spoiled her. We are thankful she was able to spend time in Florida this year as that always brightened her spirit.
Betty JoAnn Thewes (Rust), 79, born July 28, 1944, was preceded in death by her parents, James Elmo Rust and Eva June Montgomery; sister, Linda Shardein; son, Dale Lloyd Blanton; stepmother, Betty Brown Rust (Born in Louisville KY).

She is survived by daughters, Angela Orr (Ray), Debbie Orr (Gary), Melissa Allen (Ernie), Tracy Ison (Rob), Judy Pedigo, Maria Blanton; son, Neal Blanton (Lisa); Daughter-in-law, Kim Blanton (Dale); sisters, Carol Doyle (Rod), Donna Kipp (John); brother, "Rusty" Rust, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Betty's service will be livestreamed at the scheduled service time. Click here to view the service.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 13th, from 12:00pm-4:00pm, followed by a celebration service at 4:00pm, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville KY, 40243. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church, in Charlestown Indiana, and/or please perform an act of kindness in memory of Betty and email to orrdeb@gmail.com with your story.