Elizabeth “Betty” (Thompson) Oster, 79, of Leonardo, passed away Aug. 20. Betty was born at home in Port Monmouth Dec. 1, 1941, a daughter of the late Marion and Charles Thompson. After marrying, she moved to her home in Leonardo, 62 years ago.
Betty loved her job as a caretaker with the YMCA school aftercare program in the Middletown elementary schools. Betty could regularly be found at the American Legion Post 338 in Leonardo where she was an active member of the ladies’ auxiliary and past sergeant at arms. Betty eagerly volunteered for every event they hosted. She was known around the Legion as “$5 Betty”: She would only put $5 bills into the pull tab machine and heaven forbid you took her $5 bill off the bar! She also enjoyed trips to Atlantic City, but her favorite pastime was spending time with her family and spoiling her beloved grandchildren. Betty will be fondly remembered as a loving, caring and extremely giving woman.
Betty is survived by her three sons, Fred Oster of Iowa, Steven Oster of Belford, and Paul Oster of Leonardo. She also leaves behind her brother Albert Thompson of Atlantic Highlands and three sisters, Dale Thompson of Florida, Linda (John) Hockin of Belford and Cheri (Roy) Kelcourse-Baker of Allenhurst; five grandchildren, Nathan, Morgan, Charlie, Ella and Max; and her lifelong friend Amy Schnoor.
Friends and relatives may pay their respects from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26 and again from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 27, with a funeral service immediately following at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals, 153 Church St., Belford. The burial and committal will take place at Bayview Cemetery.
The article originally appeared in the August 26 – September 1, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
