Elizabeth "Betty" Thompson, age 68, of Mahnomen, MN, died on Tuesday, August 9, 2016, at home.

Elizabeth Marie Zurn was born August 11, 1947, to Ambrose and Lucy (Schouviller) Zurn in Detroit Lakes, MN. She grew up in Callaway, MN, where she attended grade school. Betty then attended class at the Mount in Crookston before graduating from Detroit Lakes High School in 1965. Betty was united in marriage to Lynn Thompson on November 25, 1967, in Callaway. The couple made their home on the Thompson farm east of Mahnomen. Betty worked at Solar Gas and Farmers State Bank in Winger. When her children became school age, she re-entered the work force at Dr. Diekmans, followed by Mahnomen County Human Services and retired from Becker County Human Services in 2010. Betty also worked a number of years at the Movie Review in Mahnomen.

Hard working, strong faith and family oriented are all things that describe Betty. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bejou until it closed and she transferred to St. Michael's in Mahnomen. Betty volunteered at the church office and was very active in many facets of the church. Church staff was near and dear to her and she enjoyed their lunch outings and meals prepared by Father Dave. In addition to her church family, Betty's siblings, children and especially the grandchildren were near and dear to her. Family was everything, her pride and joy. She loved them all unconditionally and even spoiled them with special homemade favorite dishes on holidays. Betty also spent a great amount of time with her best friend, Sylvia. Coming from a large family, she always enjoyed the company of her siblings. They would talk often and even take yearly trips as sisters. When time allowed, Betty loved to read and crochet.

Betty is survived by her children: Michael (Camillia) Thompson, Bejou, Lucie Thompson, Clearbrook, MN, and David (Nicole) Thompson, Stephen, MN; six grandchildren: Trevor, Jakson, Noah, Gunner, Griffin and Decker; one great-granddaughter, Charolett; a special nephew known as her special little brother, Mike Brodsho; two brothers, Richard (Judy) Zurn, Detroit Lakes, MN, and Gordon (Joanne) Zurn, Waubun, MN; five sisters: Shirley (Pete) Newell-Jackson, Pasco, WA, Donna Adams, Mesa, AZ, Ruth (Robert) Atwell, Wytheville, VA, Mary (Karl) Schnathorst, Detroit Lakes, MN, and Linda (Gene) Walz, Audubon; one sister and brother-in-law, LouAnn (Mervin) Sirjord, Bejou; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Hayden; two nephews, Gary and Dale; great-nephew, Joshua; four brothers: Clarence, Vernie, Ambrose and Raymond; two brothers-in-law, Donald Adams and Jim Newell.

Memorial Mass was held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Time of Gathering was at St. Michael's Catholic Church on Friday, August 12, 2016, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service and Rosary at 6:30 pm.  Inurnment was at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Callaway, MN.