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Betty Eileen Thompson-Hillis, 89, of North Branch, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2024.

Betty was born in McLaughlin, SD to Christ and Emily Schlenker on February 26, 1935. Betty had 13 siblings and the family lived on a farm until they moved into town where she attended school and graduated from McLaughlin High School. After graduation Betty moved to Minneapolis, MN where she worked as a test baker for Betty Crocker.

On May 18, 1957 she married Gilbert Thompson and they had three sons, Curt, Scott and Jay. Betty loved being a stay-at-home wife and mother. They lived in Fridley, MN until they built a home on Comfort Lake outside of Forest Lake, MN. In 1989 they built their retirement home outside of North Branch, MN on the Sunrise River.

After Gil passed away in 1993, Betty reconnected with Ben Hillis, who had built their retirement home.

She and Ben were married on August 15, 1998. Unless she was at a garage sale (ha ha), she loved spending time at home with Ben on the deck overlooking the river. She also enjoyed baking, gardening and politics. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and always said her grandchildren were her sunshine. She loved hosting family gatherings and every Christmas she made a tea ring for every family and many friends. Betty was able to strike up a friendship with everyone she met and she enjoyed the many friendships she made over the years. She  and Ben loved to entertain and hosted an annual “corn feed” for many years and invited all of her friends and family.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Gil, son Jay, parents, and 12 of her siblings.

She is survived by her husband Ben, his children Travis (Lynette) and Tamara, her sons Curt (Linda), Scott (Michelle), daughter in law Tracy, brother Clarence, grandchildren Nicole (Dustin), Christine (Mitchell), Daniel, Justin, Seth (Jessica), Tyler (Dakotah), Jared and great-grandchildren Charlise, Easton, Chloe, and Wyatt.

The family of Betty wishes to extend sincere thanks to the MHealth Fairview doctors and nurses, Ecumen staff and nurses and the home care nurses from AccentCare. We would also like to thank the many friends of Betty and Ben who loved and supported them in many different ways over the past year.

Memorials may be given to Wounded Warriors Project and Tunnels to Towers.

There will be a Celebration of life at Betty’s home  Saturday, June 22, 2024 from 2-6 PM.  A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Condolences at www.carlsonlillemoen.com.  Arrangements by Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge.

See OBITUARIES/9.

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