Betty Jean Rengo (Thompson)

Betty Jean Rengo, 96, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Betty was born to Matt and Esther Thompson on October 19, 1929, in Crystal Falls, Michigan-just ten days before the stock market crash that ushered in the Great Depression. Betty was an only child. She spent her infancy and early childhood in Covington, Michigan, before the family moved a few miles away to their farm in Watton. Growing up, she actively participated in 4-H and in the life of her local church and community.

Betty graduated from L'Anse High School in 1944 during the height of World War II. Those years left a deep mark on her; the war effort shaped her school and community life, and she reflected it in her speeches and diary. She joined scrap-metal drives, tended victory gardens, and helped prepare packages for local servicemen overseas.

She went on to train as a nurse at St. Luke's School of Nursing in Marquette, Michigan, graduating in 1947. On her 21st birthday, October 19, 1950, she married Oliver Rengo, also of the U.P. and Watton. The couple moved to Seattle, Washington, where they built their life together until Oliver's death in 1996. They were blessed with four children: Sally (Richard Dillio), Dan, MaryAnn, and Lisa (Bill Clutter).

For more than 35 years, Betty worked as a delivery-room nurse in Seattle. She took special pride in being present and involved in the births of nearly all of her grandchildren. She is survived by her 4 children, 20 grandchildren, 41(plus one on the way) great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Betty deeply valued and passed on to her family the importance of family, their Finnish heritage, education, independence, love of country, and hard work. Her character was defined by the Finnish spirit of sisu-quiet strength, perseverance, and resilience-rooted in truth and a steady faith in God. Throughout her life she continued to serve and care for others with quiet compassion.

She found joy in gardening, nursing, grandchildren, music, animals, and dancing. Betty especially cherished returning to her Michigan home. She continued to love holding babies throughout her long life. Independent by nature, Betty took pride in doing what she could for herself and faced life with the simple philosophy of "letting the chips fall where they may," confident in her faith and in everlasting life.

A noble woman who gave of herself for God, family, and others, Betty leaves a lasting legacy of these values for her children and the generations that follow.

Funeral services will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church at 25379 US HWY 141 in Covington, MI on Monday, September 28, with visitation at 10:00 am, and service beginning at 11:00 am, with Pastor Richard Little officiating. Burial will be in the Covington Cemetery, followed by a funeral luncheon at the church.

Charitable donations in Betty's memory may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, Covington, Michigan P.O 168 Covington, Michigan 49919