Betty J. Thiessen passed away at her Hollister residence after a more than two year battle with brain cancer surrounded by her family, almost five years after losing her husband Dale W. Thiessen to colon cancer. Betty, who was better known to her friends as Jodi was born in Reedley, Ca to Al and Leona Schulz, the only girl in a family of five. Jodi spent most of her childhood in Dinuba, CA. Growing up, Jodi found a love of music and became an accomplished pianist. Using her talents she devoted many years playing the piano at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, she played in the hand bell choir, and taught in the primary and junior classes. Jodi also devoted her time taking courses to become an ordained minister from the Online Bible Collage. Jodi used her relationship with God to give her comfort and strength. No matter how bad she was feeling, she put on a smile, a little makeup, her heels and soldiered on. If asked how she was doing, she would smile and say “Oh Hey!” Jodi was a very passionate person and if you wanted to see her passion, you just had to start up a conversation about religion, or better yet about politics. But if you found yourself with an opposite view from hers you better have your ducks in a row because Jodi argued to win. One of her favorite sayings was “There is no use in arguing unless you are right!”
Jodi is survived by her Grandson Brody Thiessen, her sons Don and Jeff Thiessen, her father and mother Al and Leona Schulz, and her four brothers Steve, Glenn, Loren, and Dan Schulz. Her memorial service will be held at the Grace Bible Church, 375 Sixth Street in Hollister, CA 95023 on Dec. 12, 2009, at 3:00 P.M. Jodi’s wishes are for coffee and potato salad to be served as a remembrance of her life. This will be served following the memorial service. Betty has requested that instead of flowers a donation can be made to the Grace Bible Church in her name that will benefit Heartland Hospice.
