Betty Howard
1/8/2009

GALESBURG-Betty M. Howard, 82, Galesburg, died at 3:40 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.

She was the daughter of John and Bertha (Bennett) Abel. She married H. Eugene “Cookie’’ Howard, May 29, 1944, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death Feb. 10, 2002.

She was the loving mother of Sharen (Eric) Swanson, London Mills, John Howard, Abingdon, Rickie (Donna) Howard, Aurora, and W. Leon Howard, Galesburg; loving grandmother of Penny (Terry) Price, Marnee (Kevin) Petrakis, Johnny Howard, Brad Howard, Justin Howard, Jason (Lisa) Howard, Rickie Howard, Jr., and Chrystal Howard; loving great-grandmother of seven; two sisters, Dorothea (Dale) Bonney, Galesburg, and Marlene (Royal) Moore, London Mills; two sisters-in-law, LaVonne Abel and Betty L. Abel, both of Galesburg.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and three sisters.

She worked at the former Blue Bell Factory in Abingdon and later in Central Processing at St. Mary Medical Center.

She enjoyed doing embroidery, reading and country music.

Graveside services were held Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008, in the Abingdon Cemetery with Mrs. Eleanor Landon officiating.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children.

Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.