Betsy Oram Thorne's Obituary
Betsy Oram Thorne passed away peacefully in the morning of April 25, 2018. Betsy, daughter of John and Robbye Morrow Oram, both long time Dallas residents, was born July 30, 1924 in Dallas, Texas.Betsy attended for 12 years and graduated Cum Laude Hockaday School of Dallas, Class of 1941. She enjoyed playing varsity field hockey and made many lifetime friendships. She then attended and graduated from Southern Methodist University of Dallas and graduated with a major in Spanish and a minor in French. Upon graduation from college she was offered an opportunity to serve her country with the US Air Force. She accepted a position to study communications at the University of Texas then was assigned to a special government program to work with radio communications during World War II.During her upper school years in Hockaday she met the love of her life, Lansing S. Thorne. He also volunteered to serve in the U S Navy for his country during the war. After the war was ended Betsy used her language skills to work with American Airlines as a translator for Spanish speaking passengers. She was very a very strong and independent lady. After Lansing’s return home from the war, Betsy and Lansing were married in Dallas, Texas in 1950.Betsy devoted much of her energy to supporting her husband in growing his home building company. She lived her Christian faith through out her life by showing love, kindness and gratitude to many. Betsy loved her daughter and devoted much time to her grandchildren and being a positive role model in their lives. Betsy loved gardening and she had a “green thumb”.She successfully grafted, grew from seeds, and harvested kiwis, oranges, lemons and limes and sold them commercially.Betsy is survived by her husband Lansing Stephen Thorne; daughter Elizabeth Thorne Blum and her husband Patrick L Blum; grandchildren John Thorne, Julie Blum McAdoo and Kimberly M. Blum; her great grandchildren Kylan Thorne, Mason McAdoo and Houston McAdoo. She is also survived by her sister Robbye Jean Oram Jaggi and many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.The funeral will be at the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home Monday May 7 at 10:00 in Dallas, Texas.The family would like to extend special thanks to the Betsy’s faithful caregivers who have provided companionship and love during her last years. Also many thank the caregivers at the Heritage at Hunters Chase in Austin and Hope and Grace Hospice who provided her with care during the last few months.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243.
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