Elizabeth Mary was born in Walkerton on Sunday, November 30, 1952, to proud parents, John Francis and Florence Margaret (Schurter) Schmidt. She joined older siblings, Patricia and Robert “Bob,” and younger brother, Jim, soon made the family complete. The Schmidts owned and operated a mixed farm on the 8th Concession of Greenock, north of Chepstow. Here, Betty and her siblings enjoyed rural life and were a great help to their parents. Although Betty liked working outdoors, given her age, she was often relegated to helping the family by cooking. It definitely grew on her through the years, and thankfully, many of us benefited from her talents – but more on that later! As a young girl, Betty took a liking to playing baseball, and she was good at it, too. She was a proud member of the Chepstow Diamonds for many years and continued to enjoy slo-pitch well into her adulthood with the Walkerton Royals.
The Schmidt children attended Mary Immaculate Catholic School in Chepstow before Betty completed her secondary education at Walkerton District Secondary School. It was here, during her Grade 11 year, that Betty caught the attention of a young man by the name of George “Dean” Thompson. Dean has vivid memories of their first date, a double date, whereby he drove through a snowstorm to pick Betty up at the farm, before attending a school dance in Port Elgin. They quickly fell in love, and there was no looking back. Following high school, Betty moved to Owen Sound to find work, boarding with her Aunt Marie (Schurter). She soon began at Goodyear, and it wasn’t long until Dean also called Owen Sound home. The young couple were married at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Chepstow on Friday, May 24, 1974. The newlyweds called an apartment in Owen Sound home for a short period, before returning home to Walkerton in 1975. Betty began working at Canada Spool & Bobbin Co. in Walkerton, and remained there until its closure in the late 1980’s.
In 1979, Betty and Dean welcomed their first daughter, Tammy. Betty enjoyed motherhood and flourished. Her role and responsibilities only increased in the years following with the arrival of Christine (1982) and Bill (1985). Life was busy for Betty as she continually balanced the roles of mother, wife, all the while working outside the home. By this time, she had begun working at Krug’s Furniture Factory in Chesley before Dean helped her get a job at Formosa Brewery in the late 80’s. Here she grew into a quiet leader and quickly gained the respect of her colleagues. She enjoyed spending time with coworkers and valued the many friendships she made through her 30 years at the brewery. She retired in 2018, after over 30 years of service.
In addition to caring for her young family, Betty and Dean were also very close with their extended family, particularly Betty’s parents and Dean’s grandparents. Much of their free time was used to visit and support them as they aged, and this time together was always cherished. Back at home, Betty kept busy with the kids and all their activities. She and Dean also both enjoyed classic cars, owning several through the years. Many weekends were spent travelling throughout Midwestern Ontario to local car shows, with them venturing as far as Pennsylvania for one event. It didn’t matter if they were in the 1954 Dodge pick-up truck, 67’ Dart GTS, 70’ Dart Swinger, or 2005 Honda S2000, a fun time was had by all!
Back at home, Betty enjoyed spending time in the kitchen and was a fabulous cook and baker. She was renowned for many of her creations, but particularly her pineapple cake, lemon pie and Nanaimo bars, just to name a few. Betty was also proud of her five grandchildren, Jeff, Claire, John, Blake, and Nolan. She and Dean were regulars at their school and sporting activities, where they spent countless hours (and miles in the car) supporting their grandchildren. I am told Betty was even beginning to figure out soccer… Lol! All joking aside, she was a godsend through COVID, as she was the go-to babysitter, when her children had to continue to work, but the kids were off. She deeply treasured this time with each and every one of them and enjoyed the uniqueness of each grandchild. I am told there were many ice cream trips with Grandma. Although not big travellers, Betty and Dean dipped their feet in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in the same year, while experiencing Canada. Betty enjoyed a good pina colada and a nice fish dinner. She was drawn to her pets, and more recently, grand-pets, and loved the fall colours.
Betty was a loving, giving woman who always encouraged those around her to believe in themselves. She was patient with others and liked to keep a tidy house… in other words – no clutter! No matter the barrier, she kept her head down and kept going. This was particularly evident in recent years, after her cancer diagnosis. Although there were many challenges and setbacks, Betty remained positive and persevered. She treasured the quality time with her children and grandchildren, and although ill herself, always put their needs before hers. She will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all those who knew her. Sadly, Betty passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 10, 2025, in her 73rd year.
Beloved wife of Dean. Loving mother of Tammy (Jason) Hinsperger of Mildmay, Christine (Frank) Stone of Nanaimo, B.C., and Bill (Trina) Thompson of Walkerton. Cherished grandmother of Jeff, Claire, John, Blake, and Nolan. Betty will be dearly missed by her brothers, Bob (Irene) Schmidt of Waterloo, and Jim (Elaine) Schmidt of Walkerton and their families. She was predeceased by her sister Patricia Schmidt (Norm St. Denis), brothers-in-law, Bill Thompson, John (Elvira) Thompson, sister-in-law Mary Parkes, and her parents, John and Florence (Schurter) Schmidt
Visitation will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church, Tiverton, on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. A memorial service honouring Betty’s life will be held at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. Private family inurnment at a later date in Purdy Cemetery, Greenock Township.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Purdy Cemetery, Saugeen Hospice Inc., or Walkerton & District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Our deepest condolences to the Thompson family, we are so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. We have lots of great memories from our years as neighbours. You are all in our thoughts ❤️
I am sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. It was always nice seeing her on the trail in the morning, always smiling. Cherish all of your memories.
Betty was a quiet caring lady! Offering my condolence to Dean, Betty’s Children, I only know Bill, Grandchildren, brothers and extended family. She will be missed by all who knew her, she had away that made person feel valued enjoyed our conversations. RIP Betty
Our deepest condolences to Dean and family. We were shocked to read of Betty’s passing. We always enjoyed our chats and will miss catching up at wing nights.
Tammy, and Family
I am so sorry to hear the passing of your mom. I loved working with her at the Brewery back in the day. She had a beautiful sense of humor.
Dean and family and Schmidt families Our sincere condolences on the passing of Betty.She was a very special wife,mom, grandma and sister.I always enjoyed chatting with her.May her memories give you some peace and comfort.
Dear Dean , Tammy, Christine , Bill and your families.
It is with great sadness that we send our condolences on the loss of Betty. Treasure your beautiful memories, She will always be with you. Much love to all
My deepest sympathy Dean to you and your family she will be missed such nice lady
Tammy – my sincerest condolences on the passing of your beautiful mother. May your happy memories give you some peace and comfort. ❤️
Tammy – so sorry to hear about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Dear Dean,Tammy,Chrissy&Bill and families
I was both shocked and saddened to hear of Betty’s passing. I extend my deepest sympathy to all, losing your wife, Mom & Gma is heartbreaking. Draw strength from each other as you move forward. Betty has left you a legacy of love and quiet strength which will remain with all of you. 🙏🏻
Sending hugs to all. RIP Betty you will be missed💞
Tammy and family. So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time
Dear Dean & Family,
We know there are no words- hold onto your memories and each other – Betty will always be with you.
With warmest wishes for comfort and hugs always,
Diane & Rick Carr
Dean & family, we were saddened to hear of Betty’s passing! Fond memories of Block parties and Royals ballgames with Betty will remain in our hearts. She was a quiet, kind person that was a pleasure to have known.
Condolences to the entire family.
Bill and I were very sorry to hear of Betty passing
To all the Thompson’s and Schmidt families deepest sympathies
Betty was lovely and I’m sure will be sorrily missed
Dean & Family,
Our thoughts are with you at this sad & difficult time. Betty was such a nice person. Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Dean & family, Bob & Jim and families, I’m so sorry for your sudden loss of Betty. She was a great neighbour growing up on the farm, and I always enjoyed chatting with you all when visiting Betty’s mom at The Village. May she rest in peace…
Dean and family my sincere condolences to you all your family on the loss of Betty. It was such a pleasure to get to know both of you at church. I could always look back and be sure to get a wave, smile and good morning from Betty when I was able to attend church. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Dean and family so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing! She was a wonderful woman and the perfect match for you! Cherish the many memories of her! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Dean, I’m thinking of you and your family as you navigate this difficult time. May the pain of losing Betty be tempered by the joy of the memories you have of her.
Betty was one of a kind. A treasured neighbour for over 40 years. Our kids spent countless hours with Tammy, Chrissy and Bill and loved spending time with the Thompson family. Our thoughts are with you Dean and family at this difficult time. God speed Betty.
Dean, so very sorry to hear of Betty’s illness and passing. We both enjoyed getting to know you both and the time we spent together on our trip to Newfoundland in 2019.
Betty will always be with you, as she is in your heart.
Our deepest sympathy.
Bob and Brenda Krueger
Dean and family. We are very sorry to hear the passing of Betty. She was a wonderful person and we always enjoyed our chats with you both! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during these difficult times.
Dean and family, Glen and I are so sorry for your loss. It’s been my pleasure to reconnect with her at the arena over the past few years. Kingston will always be a great memory for us. Bill, Trina, Blake and Nolan treasure those memories you’ve made over the years❤️. Our deepest sympathies. Hugs
Glen and Jane Wilhelm
Dean and family We are saddened to hear of Betty’s passing. She was a wonderful lady. We will miss seeing her at car cruises and breakfasts. Our thoughts ad prayers are with the family.
Dean and family—We are sorry to hear of Betty’s passing and send our deepest sympathies.
Sorry for your loss Dean rip Betty
So sorry for your loss Betty was such a lovely lady. Hold on to those precious moments may sh rest in peace
Dean and Family -Our Deepest Sympathy.Betty was a charming positive Lady and will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her
Dean and family – with shock we learned of Betty passing at the car show last night in Sauble Beach. We are terribly sorry to hear this news, although we didn’t know you two well, we knew you loved the same hobby as us – classic cars. For us Betty will be remembered for her smiling face and quiet manner – please accept our sincere condolences in the days ahead. Lloyd & Jo-Ann Sheridan
Dean and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to you all. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dean & family – so sorry to hear of Betty’s sudden passing. We’d just visited at Knox, Tiverton on Saturday night where Dean & Betty spent so many hours helping out with church functions. Such a head worker & a fighter with her disease. We’ll miss our after church brunches at the Pub with Betty but will still do them with & others. Rest in peace dear Friend.
Tammy, my deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear mom, hugs
Sincere sympathy to Dean and family.
Dean & family, and the Schmidt family, so sorry for your loss of your dear wife, mother, grandma and sister Betty. Always enjoyed a chat with Betty whenever we ran into her. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
My deepest sympathy to you dean and family, treasure your memories, I will miss her at cards, she was a wonderful person
Our deepest sympathies to the family 🕊️❤️
Dear Tammy, Jason , Jeff, Claire & John,
We send our sincere condolences to you all on the passing of your dear Mom & Grandma .
Tammy, when we chatted on Sunday morn , I had no idea Heaven was so close !!
Thinking of you at this very difficult time …..God bless !!
Hugs to you !!!
Dear Dean and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing . We are all going to miss chatting with you & Betty at car shows . She was such lovely person !! Keeping you all in our thoughts & prayers .
Rest in peace dear friend , Betty !!! God bless !!
Gerry & Donna Bross
Sorry to hear of your loss Dean and Family.