Betty Joyce Thomas, 85, of Austin, died Monday afternoon, Dec. 7, 2009 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home. 
She was born Aug. 20, 1924 to William and Hazel (Dell) Selle in Dodge Center, Minn., where she grew up. 
She married Ronald R. Thomas. After living in Park Rapids for five years, they moved to Austin in 1947. They had three children and were later divorced. Betty was business manager for AFL-CIO Local #6578 for a number of years. A member of First Congregational Church, she also belonged to VFW Auxiliary and Eagles. In her younger years, she played softball. She enjoyed her family and two “furry” grandchildren, Sam and Casey. Betty was always handing out treats. 
She is survived by her sons, Bryan Thomas of Austin, Greg (Marilyn) Thomas of Kasson; a daughter, Sandra Graham of Colo.; six grandchildren, Jason, Steven and Jamie Thomas; Damon, Dustin and Darin Knudson; 10 great-grandchildren; two brothers, LaVerne “Colonel” Selle of Rochester and James “Fearless” Selle of Calif. 
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Walter “Hogan,” Robert “Count,” Edward “Hot Rod,” Everett “Emmett” and Lloyd “Slid.”
Funeral services will be held at First Congregational Church at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10 with the Rev. George Toschak officiating. Visitation will be at Worlein Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 9 and one hour before the service at the church. Casket bearers are Damon, Dustin and Darin Knudson; Jason, Steven and Jamie Thomas. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Dodge Center. 
Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.