Betty Jo Lough, 74, of Thorntown, passed away in her sleep on Sept. 26, 2015, at Kindred at Bridgewater Health Care Rehabilitation Center in Carmel.

Betty was born Dec. 26, 1940 in Hammond, Indiana, a daughter of the late Irvin and Inez (Humphries) Hamm. She married Maynard Max Lough on Aug. 20, 1959 and they enjoyed 55 years of marriage. Max passed away on June 1, 2015.

Betty graduated from Thorntown High School. She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the American Legion 8 & 40, and the Thorntown United Methodist Church. Betty participated in a number of events within the American Legion in Darlington and Crawfordsville and built many friendships.

Betty spent her life as a devoted farm wife and mother. Betty enjoyed spoiling her grandkids and was affectionately known as “Gma.” She was thrilled to welcome her first great grandchild due in March, 2016. She was a great cook and loved to fix Sunday night dinners, often preparing enough food to feed extended family and friends. She planned the family holiday gatherings for months in advance and took pride in her holiday feasts and decorations. Her favorite recipes included homemade noodles, butterscotch pie, and Amish bread. She had a huge heart and would be sure you never left her home hungry. Betty also enjoyed gardening, card and dice games, and weekly trips to the beauty shop.

Survivors include her children Kevin (Kim) Lough and Scott (Crissy) Lough, both of Thorntown; her grandchildren Amber Lough of Florida, Nick (Amanda) Lough, Michaela Lough and Cody Lough of Lebanon, Kameron Lough of Lafayette, and Korbin Lough and Maleigh Lough of Thorntown. Betty’s siblings include Kay Kristianson of Florida, Ruth Ann “Andy” Wyant of Arizona, and Bob (Ruby) Hamm of Kokomo. She has numerous extended family members and many nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her son Dennis Lough; her brother Fred Hamm, her sister Jane (Harold) Clouser, and brother-in-law Bjorn Kristianson.

Family and friends will gather Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015 for visitation from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. and a celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. Betty will be laid to rest at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Thorntown. You are invited to visit the website www.strawmyerdrury.com where you may sign her online register and leave a personal message. Memorial contributions may be made to the Max Lough Family Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Western Boone Junior-Senior High School