Betty J. Thompson, age 87 of Shelbyville and formerly of Elwood and Alexandria, died August 19, 2011 at Ashford Place Health Campus in Shelbyville after a brief illness. She was born March 23, 1924 in Elwood, the daughter of Claude and Ethel (Hosier) Rittenhouse. She retired from General Tire Corporation in Marion in 1986 after more than 20 years of service as a press operator. She was a 1942 graduate of Elwood High School. She married Donald Thompson in 1987. Betty was a Christian and loved spending time with her family. She formerly enjoyed flowers, vegetable gardens, and fishing. She loved watching John Wayne movies.

Survivors include: Son - Dale (wife Martha) Phillips of Shelbyville; 6 Grandchildren – Steve Phillips, Emily (husband Matt) Moore, Charles Phillips, Brett Phillips, Dawn (husband Calvin) Adkins and Doug (wife Kelli) Warner; 9 Great-Grandchildren – Jacob Adkins, Ellen Adkins, Nathan Warner, Noah Moore, Savannah Phillips, Oliver Koch, Josie Moore, Aaron Phillips, and Alexandria Phillips; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her Parents; Husband – Donald Thompson who died July 1, 2004; Son – Steve Phillips; Sister – Eileen Shaw; 3 Brothers – Nolan E. Rittenhouse, Bill Rittenhouse, and Lester Rittenhouse.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Monday, August 22, 2011 at Copher-Fesler-May
Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Tim Stigers of Southern Care Hospice officiating. Burial will take place in the Elwood City Cemetery in Elwood. Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 PM on Sunday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Hospice of Shelby County – 424 E. Jackson Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.