Obituaries

Elizabeth “Betsy” Thomas, age 78, of Moosic, passed away Tuesday at Allied Hospice in Scranton. Reese Thomas, Sr., her beloved husband of 54 years, survives. The couple were married on September 2, 1967.
A true patriot, Betsy was born on Independence Day, 1943, to the late Carl and Ruth Turner. She was raised in the Spike Island section of Moosic and attended the former Moosic High School.
She began her family of three children while eventually workings for Topps Chewing Gum Co. before Community Medical Center. She would ultimately take on a new role as caregiver to her son upon a tragic accident in 1991.
An absolute rule breaker, Betsy lived by her own terms and be certain, if it wasn’t her way it was no way. Her smile was infectious and she was always the life of the party. Always!
She loved all things Elvis Presley and as a perpetual slot machine jackpot winner, she was a well-known face at just about every casino. Beyond her amazing humor was her loyalty to her loved ones. She would do anything for someone in need.
Betsy’s memories through countless stories will live on forever. She will long be missed.
She is also survived by her loving family, her children, Joanne Samitz and husband Steven of Old Forge and Reese Thomas, Jr. of Moscow; her five grandchildren, Keith Thomas, Julie Thomas and Olivia Thomas, Tyler Cavalari and Adam Samitz; siblings, Cindy Freeman and husband Al of Scranton and William Turner and husband Roger Dale of N.J.; many nieces and nephews; dear friend, Dorothy Tippett of Moosic; and of course her pups, “Elvis” and “Presley.”
Her son, Edward (Ed) Thomas, her grandson, Kevin Thomas, on November 11th; and her siblings, Kenneth “Butch”, Carl, Frank and Jerry Turner, Joan Ditchkus and Rosemary Marino also preceded her in death.
Her family would like to thank Dr. Emma Rubin and the staffs of both Allied Hospice and Henry Cancer Center at Geisinger Community Medical Center for their kindness and compassion throughout Betsy’s fight against Cancer.
A celebration of Betsy’s Life is scheduled for Monday at 7:00 PM at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday from 4:00 PM until services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Betsy’s name to the donor’s favorite charity.