Betty Walters' Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - M.L. "Betty" Walters, age 85 of Charleston, passed away peacefully with loving family at her side, Monday evening, July 28, 2014. There will be no visitation and private family graveside services and inurnment will be held at a later date at Liberty Cemetery located in Hutton Township southeast of Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in her honor be made to the American Cancer Society. Gifts may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Betty was born on July 14, 1929 in Coles County, Illinois, the daughter of Joe and Ellen Pearcy. She was raised by her grandparents, Ed and Eleanor Gordon, in a loving home along with 10 other siblings, all of whom preceded her in death. On March 26, 1948 she married Kenneth "Scrawny" Walters in Toledo, Illinois and they celebrated 48 years of marriage prior to his death in 1996. She is survived by two daughters, Katie Wildman and husband Larry of Spring, Texas and Sharon Runnels and husband Alan of Charleston; six grandchildren, Melissa Wheatley, Nichole Peterson and fiancé Todd Lawyer, Carey Junkins, Chad Wildman and wife Allison, Shaun Wildman and wife Becky and Amanda Wildman; seven great-grandchildren, Ariona, Darian, Haley, Brandon, Theo, Joshua and Jimmy; a great-great-grandson, Cason; and many nieces and nephews and their families. Betty was also preceded in death by a daughter, Shirley Walters, who passed away earlier this year. Betty was a member of the Women of the Moose Charleston Chapter #1175; Charleston VFW Ladies Auxiliary and was a member of the former Charleston Fraternal Order of Eagles. Betty worked at the Charleston Brown Shoe Company for 38 years. She also worked alongside her daughter and family in the Shirley's French Fry wagon for 20 years. Betty possessed a bubbly and likeable personality accompanied by a stubborn streak. She made the best homemade chicken and noodles (ask anyone who knew her) and the recipe for her secret BBQ sauce is known only by her granddaughter Nichole. She loved piecing together quilts and would often donate them to be raffled for a worthy cause. She had a heart for serving others and dedicated much of her spare time to volunteering and cooking at the VFW. For more than 20 years she made the monthly trips to the Danville VA visiting with and taking much needed items to our veterans. Betty's family was her special treasure and spending time with them was a priority for her. The cabin at the river was always a favorite gathering place - she was not a fisherman but just enjoyed sharing time there with the rest of her family. They could rely on her to always be there when needed - her love and devotion was never questioned. She truly adored her grandchildren and their families as they were near and dear to her heart. The many fond memories will always remain with her family and friends who dearly loved her. Betty's family would like to extend a special thank you to their hospice nurse, Karen Rose, as they are forever grateful for the tender and loving care both they and Betty received.
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