Betty Jo Thomas was born on January 18, 1929 in Stringtown, OK to Noah and Clara LaFavor. Our beloved Mother began her final journey with our Lord Jesus Christ on April 17, 2007.

She was preceded in death by grandson, Shawn Douglas Walls; granddaughter, Rachael Michelle Austin; great-grandson, Corey Simmons; and great-granddaughter, Casey Parsons; second husband, George Ervin Thomas; sister, Ada Jones; brothers, Doyle and Edward LaFavor; as well as her mother and father, Noah and Clara LaFavor.

Those leaved to mourn her passing are her children, Peggy Marshall and Donna Castleberry and husband, David Renfro, both of Checotah, OK, Kathy Rogers and husband, Rocky of Pismo Beach, CA, Larry Davis and wife, Karen, Laura Austin-Chelf and husband, Marty, and John Thomas and wife, Susan, all of Bakersfield; beloved stepdaughters, Debbie Arvizu and husband, Robert and Betty Fidler and husband, Steve, all of Bakersfield CA; and six remaining step children from her marriage to George. She is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers, Robert (Bob) LaFavor and wife Ruth of Casa Grande, AZ, George (Sonny) LaFavor and Shelia of Arvin, CA, John LaFavor and wife, Bernice of Lake Isabella, CA; and sister, Jeweldean Samora of Bakersfield, CA; and beloved first husband, Bill Davis of Checotah, OK; and lifelong dear friend, Donal S. Stidham of Checotah OK; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends in Checotah, OK and Bakersfield CA.

Mom loved and missed Checotah and spoke of returning "home" someday.

She and George owned and managed numerous restaurants in the Checotah and Lake Eufaula area until her retirement as a police dispatcher with the Checotah Police Department and ultimate relocation to Bakersfield in the late 1980's.

She loved cooking and one of her most missed memories were all her friends at the Katy Cafe. More than anything our Mom's passion was loving her children and grandchildren. Although she is no longer an earthly presence, her spirit and everlasting love will stay with us forever. Her children and grandchildren never had to question her unconditional love. We couldn't have asked for any more love than she so freely gave. We will miss her only until we meet in Heaven Again.

God Bless Dr. Albert Peinado, Highgrove Medical and SJCH for many years of wonderful care and love. Thank you Optimal Hospice for so much love and care given to our mother during these past few weeks. She was able to pass at home as she wished with all her children by her side. God Bless her wonderful friends, Dee, Velma, Deloris and Sandy for countless hours of sitting by her side.

Viewing will be Thursday, April 19, 2007 from 4-8 p.m. at the Kern River Family Mortuary Chapel.

Graveside service will be held on Friday, April 20th, at 2:00 p.m., at Greenlawn Southwest with Pastor Rocky Rogers officiating.

Family and friends will gather at the home of Larry Davis at 4:00 p.m., Friday, April 20th, to celebrate our Mother's life.

If Tears could build a Stairway, and Memories a Lane, We'd walk right up to Heaven and Bring you Home Again. Mom, we will never know another love like yours! We miss you and Love you!

Kern River Family Mortuary

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