Betty L. Bell-Byers, age 85 of Charleston and formerly of rural Greenup, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 in the comfort of her home and in the loving presence of her family. Visitation will be held Thursday (September 12) from 5:00 — 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 13, 2013 at the funeral chapel with Pastor Scott Sims officiating. Burial will follow in Hurricane Cemetery located south of Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in her honor be made to Lincolnland Hospice or to Salisbury Church. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.

Betty was born on August 9, 1928 in Hidalgo, IL a daughter of the late William and Jessie (Byers) Dillier. She married Edward L. Bell on March 26, 1949 in Greenup, IL and they were blessed with 53 years of a loving and devoted friendship and marriage prior to his death on December 15, 2002. She later married Exel Byers in April of 2007 in Arcola, IL and he preceded her in death in 2009. She is survived by three loving children, sons, Steve Bell and wife Sandy of Charleston and Chuck Bell and wife Jane of rural Greenup, and daughter, Linda Daugherty of Charleston; six grandchildren, Tracie (Dan) Schmitt, Tom (Sarah) Bell, Tim Bell, Selena (Kristopher) Fritts, Lacey (Jay) Watkins and Jake Bell; 15 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and five stepchildren and their families, Carol (Larry) Stabler of Virginia, Don (Nila) Byers of Decatur, IL, Ken (Linda) Byers of Arthur, IL, Larry (Diana) Stenger of Sullivan, IL, and Gary (Debbie) Stenger of Arcola, IL. In addition to her parents and husbands, Betty was preceded in death by a brother, Doyle Dillier and a sister, Patty Jo Brown.

Betty was a graduate of Greenup High School and was employed by the Ettelbrick Shoe Company in Greenup and after raising her family she went to work at the Brown Shoe Company in Charleston. Betty was a woman whose strong faith and love for the Lord was demonstrated in her daily life and by the kindnesses shown to others. She and Ed attended Mt. Zion (Nebo) Separate Baptist Church where she volunteered as a Sunday School teacher and was a member of the Ladies Aid. She also attended Salisbury Church in later years and following her marriage to Exel placed her membership with the First Christian Church in Arcola. She is a member and Past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star Sopha C Chapter #102 which is now Lady Elect Chapter #40 of Mattoon, and the DIY (Do it Yourself) Club.

Betty was a farmer's wife and a homemaker who was devoted to her family and certainly made their house a home. Since her mother died at an early age she learned to cook out of necessity when just a young girl — and what a cook she was! Everyone enjoyed her home-cooked meals and when she gathered her family for holidays or special events — she would prepare each person's favorite food. She loved to garden and worked hard in canning the fruits of her labors; and each year she hosted "family corn day" as she assembled everyone to help put up the fresh sweet corn. She was a meticulous housekeeper and was even more meticulous about her yard — only she could mow it properly. Betty wasn't afraid to step out of her comfort zone as was evident when she won the first Women's Tractor Pulling Competition at the Cumberland County Fair. She loved to travel and vacationing and sharing new sights with her family or friends brought great joy. Her family was precious to her and she cherished each and every one of them. She enjoyed going out to eat together and listening to shared stories regarding the antics of her great-grandchildren. She was a "special angel" for many who were the beneficiaries of her kindness — she was known for putting the needs of others before her own. She will truly be missed but so lovingly remembered by all who knew her.