WASHINGTON…Betty J. Gerber, 85, of Metamora, formerly of Washington, passed away at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 25, 2010 at Eureka Advocate Hospital.
Betty was born in Peoria on August 12, 1925, the only child of Lester and Helen Blumenshine. She married Clifford (Jake) Gerber on October 16, 1948 in Washington. He preceded her in death on October 6, 1999 in Washington.
Survivors include her cousin, Mary Margaret (Jack) Tilley of Park Ridge, and many nieces and nephews. Betty also leaves a host of lifelong friends, including Arden Grenzebach, who helped care for her during the final months of her life.
Betty was very proud of being a lifelong resident of Washington and still considered herself such even after moving to Metamora in 2001 following the death of her husband.
She was a graduate of Bradley University and worked over 35 years in the banking business in Eureka, Washington and Peoria having retired in 1985 as a mortgage loan officer with the former Peoria Savings and Loan Association. Following retirement, she was known as “Miss Betty” to many youngsters during the time she was a reading volunteer for her neighborhood elementary school. She enjoyed watching the students she read to grow up and become adults.
Betty was a member and former primary department Sunday School teacher at Washington Evangelical United Methodist Church and an active member of the Washington Historical Society. She enjoyed traveling throughout the country on bus trips during her early retirement years and locally to dinner theaters in recent years as health conditions made traveling long distances more difficult. She also enjoyed antiques, genealogy and, of course, golfing.
Betty never knew a stranger and will be fondly remembered by many for her friendliness and her love of life.
A memorial service will be held at 2 P.M. Wednesday at the Evangelical United Methodist Church with Pastor John Hauck officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Mason-White Funeral Home is assisting in arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Washington Evangelical United Methodist Church or The Dax Locke Foundation.