Obituary

On March 31, 2026, Thom William Betz’s life ended and eternity began.  Lynn, his wife, held his hand one last time as she did countless times in their 44 years of marriage. He died at home.  His life spanned 88 years.  Although heart failure was the cause of death, it was Thom’s heart which he will be most remembered for.  And, for those he met, all knew his name was Thom “with an h” and not Thomas.  He used to grin and clarify that it was Thom with “no ass.” 

Thom resided in Supply, NC with his wife for the past 15 years after spending most of his life in PA.  Actually, their physical address is in Varnamtown, NC—a small, quintessential, coastal town. They made this town their home; they loved discovering the history and life but above all love the people who live there.  Some local folks say with a smile, ”they became southerners.”  A compliment the Betz’s are proud of. 

Thom began his life in Johnstown, PA.  He was the adopted son of William and Ruth Burkhart Betz, although shortly after birth, his father left and Thom didn’t see him again until he was 18—–then it was only one visit during Thom’s military service.  Thom never knew what happened to him.  Thom’s mother often took him with her as she picked up jobs as far as Barstow, California to Millville, NJ.  He attended 12 schools in 10 years.  Most do not know that at times he had no shoes and only one shirt and pair of trousers.  When his mother couldn’t support him, he lived with his cherished grandparents in Johnstown who gave him a foundation of love and faith.  He recalled those long and many bus trips across the country alone as a young boy.  Aunts and uncles surrounded him with love and support.  Thom, an only child, and his cousin Larry Burkhart lived together in Johnstown at times and were like brothers.  They maintained a close relationship until Larry’s death.

In high school, Thom’s dream was to go to college; he worked hard to get honor roll grades.  Then in eleventh grade, his mother took him out of school to join the Air Force because she was unable to find work and could then depend for the next four years upon living on one half of Thom’s income earned through his military service.  He had just turned 17.  Others may see his mother’s decision in other ways, however, Thom seemed to understand and if he was ever resentful, he never showed it. 

Thom loved aviation probably more than any other passion in life.  The Air Force gave him the accessibility to aircraft and flying.  Because of the overabundance of pilots in the post-World War 11 era, his pilot aspirations were impossible to reach.  However, sharing his memories of mechanically working on airplanes and “running them up” including taxiing them down the runways, always gave Thom a sparkle in his eyes.  Incidentally, when Thom was 15, he took two jobs to support private pilot lessons:  as a golf course caddy and working for a flying service at the local airport in exchange for flying lessons.  He soloed at 16.

In the Air Force, Thom served during peacetime.  He became exceptional in electronics.  In fact he was awarded the Lorillard Spencer Award, a prestigious honor to individuals for their exceptional contributions to innovation within the Air Force.  Thom was a patriot who thanked veterans for their service.  He began conversations with fellow vets anywhere he went.

In the Air Force, Thom achieved his GED and upon discharge took a job as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service.  He also began college—night school—at the University of Pittsburgh, where he received a BS degree, majoring in psychology.  After graduating, he took a job with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).  He trained in their executive program and ultimately became a District Executive in an impoverished region in Southwestern Pennsylvania.  He loved all about scouting and helped establish new troops and signed up volunteers as he mentored youth and their leaders.  Thom saw the strong foundation scouting offered in growing boys into men and aligned community members to support the troops.  He received awards and acknowledgements from the BSA for growing scouting in his region. 

When Thom’s personal life changed after his mother required care, he needed more regular hours so took a job at a glass manufacturer which led to a career in Human Resources; he was promoted to director.  In that role, he worked for several other companies.

A blind date arranged by mutual friends in May, 1981 introduced Thom to Lynn Cook.  He would say that it was the “plunging neckline in her dress” which made him look twice; Lynn disagreed, “the neckline wasn’t that plunging!”  It did not take long for her to see within this gentle, smart, funny, unassuming, handsome man that he was very special and had a good heart.  Thom wooed Lynn with romantic, witty letters and off-the wall poetry that made her laugh, gifts carefully chosen, picnics in unique places well planned with gourmet cheeses and fine wines.  He was fourteen years older so his maturity shined.  In just three months after meeting, Thom and Lynn married.  At the ceremony, a guitarist played and sang, “If a Picture Paints a Thousand Words.”  They honeymooned in Toronto, Canada.

Thom, inspired by Lynn’s father, decided to become a Mason and pursue becoming an officer in the organization; within two years he accomplished his goal of becoming Worshipful Master of Meridian Masonic Lodge #411.  He loved memorizing the work and understanding the principles of masonry.  He sought to embody within himself the character attributes of what Masonry inspires.  He did just that. 

Thom’s insatiable curiosity resulted in many hobbies and interests.  Overtime he owned two airplanes; flying with friends or Lynn for $100 hamburgers or just exploring the sky and what was below: flying was a love of his life. He made wine and beer, collected and repaired antique clocks, was a gourmet cook, played the ukulele, studied many genres of music, and was an avid reader especially about history and World War 11.  He dove deep into all of his interests and loved whatever he became involved in learning and doing. 

Then Thom and Lynn learned how to make handcrafted natural soaps.  That hobby blossomed into a business.  Becoming entrepreneurs, they co-founded Sensibility Soaps, Inc., the first company in the US to achieve organic certification of personal care products within the regulations of the National Organic Program administered by the USDA.  They grew the company from 1996 -2011 into an international multimillion dollar company.  The company was then sold to an investment group.  The brand the Betz’s and their team developed: Nourish Organic is still sold in stores and online. 

Retirement brought Thom and Lynn to the coast of North Carolina.  Their mantra: “The world is your oyster.”  As it happens, the metaphor applied because there are plenty of oysters where they made their home… they sought to open a new chapter of experiences in their lives. 

Thom and Lynn loved entertaining.  They led an active and rewarding social life.  Those who know them almost always saw them together. They were truly best friends.  They loved travel.  Travel for Thom and Lynn was always about adventure.  They traveled to many places; highlights included a trip to the remote Komodo Island in the Indian Ocean to take a safari to see Komodo Dragons in the wild.  And, they hiked up about 7500 feet to the crater of the active volcano Mt. Bromo in Indonesia. Yes, afterwards, both were exhausted and covered in lava dust!

Thom is a member of Dixon Chapel, Varnamtown, NC.  His church family and friend/pastor, JB and his wife Sherry have been by his side throughout these months of Thom trying so hard to live his life albeit overshadowed by worsening illness.  A special thanks to the Hardee Boys, a group of men who visited Thom at home when he could no longer attend their Wednesday morning get togethers at Hardees.  

Recently building a new home on the Lockwood Folly River, Thom spent this past year looking out at the tidal river as he watched the birds and wild life—including an occasional alligator.  Low and high tides brought him changing seascapes.  The view and life in the river made his last days full of beauty and peace.  He loved the house, the view and hearing the birds sing.   

In addition to Lynn, Thom is so loved by and will be missed by a close-knit, wide circle of family in addition to dear and many friends. 

Many thanks to so many near and far for their prayers, love, and support to Thom and Lynn.  Their friends and family are treasured blessings who were and are there when needed.  Amedysis Home Care and Hospice, his physicians, and nursing staff made life more comfortable for Thom as his illness worsened. 

Celebrations of Life are being planned at Dixon Chapel and in Beaver Falls, PA where Thom will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.  Dates will be determined.  Updates will be available as soon as determined.

The charities that Thom contributed to include Tunnel to Towers, Wounded Warriors, Samaritan’s Purse, the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.  If so inclined to give, donations to these or other charities in Thom’s memory is appreciated. 

Most of all, gratitude goes to our Lord and the many blessings HE has given to Thom and Lynn.  For those who knew Thom, all are blessed because of his love. The love in his heart reflected through those beautiful green eyes.  Thom shared the gift of himself to all those who crossed his path; Thom will live on in their hearts and never be forgotten. Love defined Thom Betz and his life…  May all hold in their hearts as much love as he did for others without condition or restraint.   

“Let all that you do be done in love.”        1 Corinthians 16:13