Betty J. Thurston

Betty Jean Thurston, 96, of New Castle, passed away peacefully at her home on January 27, 2026. She was born in Albany, KY, on November 22, 1929, to the late Lowell and Mary Etta (York) Beck.

Along with her five siblings, Betty was born and raised on a farm in Albany, Kentucky. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures. She eventually moved to New Castle, Indiana, alongside her sister, to work at the Anchor Hocking Glass Factory.

Betty married Murl “John” Thurston on June 27, 1948, and started a long and loving marriage that lasted until his passing in 2022. She was a remarkable homemaker and dedicated herself wholeheartedly to raising her two beloved daughters. She was a faithful and loving mother. For 40 years, she shared her passion for children's ministry at the Foursquare Gospel Church, where she was not only a guiding figure but also the last remaining charter member. Her unwavering faith was at the core of who she was; she loved the Lord above all else and was known for sharing her faith with everyone around her.

Betty's passions included gardening and cooking, and she especially loved caring for children and babies. She was also deeply patriotic and loved her country, expressing her loyalties proudly and encouraging others to do the same.

A true embodiment of hospitality, Betty had a delightful sense of humor, and those who crossed her threshold knew they were in for warmth and laughter. She often jokingly shared tales from her past while in Kentucky. She also jokingly claimed she had “changed half of New Castle’s diapers,” a testament to her loving involvement in countless children’s lives. Her quick wit and ability to make others feel at home will be missed by friends and family alike.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Connie (Blaise) Durbin and Beth (Frank) Burkett; grandchildren, Michael (fiancée Kelsey Cowan) Burkett, Patrick (Rachel) Enoch, Cale Durbin, and Erica Wright; great grandchildren, Jase Enoch, Dalton Beard, and Dylan Beard; siblings, Don (Sue) Beck and Janette Barber; beloved niece, Tena Hoots; loving and devoted caregiver, Vivian Miller; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her loving husband of 74 years, Murl “John” Thurston; granddaughter, Tara (Enoch) Terrell; and siblings, Eva Peters, Linda York, and Dan Beck.

Services will be held at 4:00pm on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Foursquare Gospel Church in New Castle, with Pastor Jim Becker officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00pm until the time of the service on Friday. Burial will be on Monday, February 9, 2026, at South Mound Cemetery, West Lawn Addition. Memorial contributions can be made to the Children’s Ministry at Foursquare Gospel Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. You may express condolences or share a memory of Betty at www.hinsey-brown.com.