Betty Jo Neal arrived in Baca County to Joe and Ethel Neal on November 22, 1934 at the family farm southwest of Springfield, Colorado.  Betty was the oldest of 4 siblings – brother Jimmie, and sisters Lila and Janice.  The family then moved to their farm 6 miles southwest of Springfield.

Betty grew up in tough times.  Her dad Joe did whatever he could to provide for the family – raising broomcorn, wheat and milo in Baca County and running a small business in Canon City with his father.  Their family life required Betty during her elementary school years to move back and forth between a one-room school house, Liberty, which was 4 miles southwest of their farmhouse, and Canon City.  Growing up in difficult times made Betty what she grew up to be – strong, diligent, ambitious with the ability to make the most of any situation.

Betty attended Springfield High School, where she was actively involved in cheer club, band, as well as class/school officer.  Betty had a zest for life and was always a blast to be around, which was evidenced by the many friendships she acquired over the years.

In 1951, Betty met the love of her life – a tall, slim, good-looking man from Walsh named Grandby Thompson.  Grandby proposed on July 4th, and on December 23, 1951, they were married in Betty's family home.  They soon moved into their first home in Walsh and began their lifelong marriage together, ranching and farming.

Through this blessed and loving union, 3 children were born:  Shelley Jo, Grandby Mark, and Joe Gid.  In 1966, they moved the family to their new ranch home 3 miles west of Walsh.  Betty loved motherhood, and she was fantastic at the job.  She was always busy doing something as a homemaker, and she did whatever it took to help provide for the family.

Over the years, she also worked at the Colorado State Bank, the Walsh Variety Store, and the Baca County Assessor's Office.   Betty also showed her entrepreneurial spirit when she purchased the old Gibson building on Main Street in Springfield, and after remodeling, opened the Hitching Post, a family Western-wear store.  With Betty's special touch, the store was beautiful and a wonderful business for several years.

Betty was always supportive in everything her kids and grandkids were involved in… from Cub Scouts, to 4-H, to all school activities.  We have shared many wonderful times, as well as many hard times.  We always managed to make the best out of anything thrown our way.  We've had so many crazy and fun times through the years!

Betty taught her kids and grandkids the things that really matter – Faith, Self-discipline, Strength, Honesty, Loyalty, Love, Friends, and always -- FAMILY.  Saying goodbye to her will leave a HUGE hole in all of our hearts, but we will always cherish our memories and all the fun times we were blessed to share.  Our shared dominoes and card games will halt, for now.  We will see you again by the Grace of our Lord Jesus.

We love you Mom, Grandma, Family and Friend!

Betty is survived by daughter Shelley, son Joe and wife Kelli, grandchildren Vanessa, Cole, Sage and husband Payson, Tanner; step grandchildren Shelby, Alyssa, Luke and Jadyn; several nieces, nephews, family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her 3 siblings, her son Grandby Mark, and husband Grandby.