On August 5, 1930, Betty I. England was born to Ross and Freda (nee Rodgers) Proctor in East St. Louis, IL. She ended her long, full life on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at Carlyle Healthcare Center in Carlyle, IL. Betty married her high school sweetheart, Thomas F. England on May 29, 1950 and he preceded her in death in January, 2000. They had two children Thomas Daniel (Tammy) England and Diane (Mark) Averbeck.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister Carol Gray and her husband Bruce; sister-in-law Irene Elsing; brother-in-law Edgar England and his wife Kay; sister-in-law Verdine Hesterberg and her husband Bert and numerous relatives and good friends.
Surviving to cherish her memory are her son, Tom (Tammy) England of Olathe, Kansas; daughter, Diane (Mark) Averbeck of New Minden, IL; grandchildren Thomas R. (Brandie) England, Sarah England, Brittany Averbeck, Joshua (Shawn) Averbeck and Michelle Blake (Joshua) Martychenko; great grandchildren Tommy Ross II, Evan, Emma, Scotty, Reed, Quintin, Grayson, Alydia and Arabella; nieces and nephews, Sue Micheletti, Gary (Rebekah) Gray, Teri Lynn Gray and Jennifer (Shawn) Bereta, Margaret England, Pauline Elsing, Linda Reed, Larry (Chris) Hesterberg, Kathy (Roger) Staub; life long friends Beverly Husbands and Chris Lashley.
During her working years she was employed at Union Electric, My School Preschool, Brown Realtors and St. Clair County Building Commission Office. She took great pride in all her jobs and made many life long friends. Betty had a passion for cooking and shared her specialties (peanut brittle and sugar cookies) with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Throughout her life she was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church and their women’s sodality. In the 1960s, she served as a Boy Scout Den Mother and with her family, camping was a regular activity. As the grandkids grew, Tom and her were often found on the road to Kansas for events whether big or small. Betty was always interested in traveling and exploring new places far away and around the corner. Whether in a small fishing boat with Tom or a cruise ship to Alaska, she loved life. In the last few years, she marveled at Jodi’s (Diane’s Service Dog) temperament, abilities and instincts becoming Jodi’s biggest fan. She had great love for her family, friends, traveling, cooking, gardening, and her lunch bunch friends.
May God Bless the devoted staff of Cedar Trails and Carlyle Healthcare Center for their loving care. Thank you all so much.
We deeply love our Mom and know that she has finally been reunited with our dad, Tom, the love of her life.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Visitation: Visitation from 11:00 am – 12:45 pm, Monday, November 2, 2020 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.
Funeral: Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, November 2, 2020 at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL with Father Matthew Elie officiating.
6 Comments To "Betty I. England"
#1 Comment By Sue Micheletti On October 26, 2020 @ 5:26 pm
I will forever remember my dear Aunt Betty with a great fondness. While we lived too far away to see her often, I have cherished memories of visits as a child and a few as an adult. Her love for her family and her sense of humor are the attributes I think of most when I think of her. Rest in peace, dear Aunt Betty. You will be missed, but I know you will be reunited with those who went before you. XOXOXO
#2 Comment By Gary Gray On October 26, 2020 @ 6:55 pm
Oh my dear Aunt Betty all of us here in California are truly feeling the loss of you. Thank you for all the fun and loving moments that you shared and showered
upon us from your hugs to your Frozen rum slush! Our hearts are comforted by knowing that you are walking with Tom,
Ross and Freda and our Carol.
Gary and Rebekah Gray and Family
#3 Comment By Amanda Bumann On October 27, 2020 @ 5:40 am
Ever since Aunt Diane became a part of the Averbeck family, I have always enjoyed Betty’s company. I am deeply sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to the family, and sending lots of hugs to Aunt Diane.
#4 Comment By Joan Menn On October 30, 2020 @ 10:37 am
Danny, Diane and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Betty was a unique lady, and I was fortunate to have worked with her for many years in the PBC Office and blessed to have her friendship. My deepest condolences.
#5 Comment By Jennifer Bereta On October 30, 2020 @ 10:53 pm
Aunt Betty will always have a special place in my heart. I always loved the stories she would share about her baby sister, my mother Carol. I appreciated how she let all of us in on their lives, it was almost as if we could actually picture it. Her humor was completely Entertaining. Like when we were talking about whose noses we all had. Aunt Betty said “well I don’t know who’s nose I got but I sure wish they had it back” We laughed for hours. Rest In Peace Aunt Betty and you will live on in the hearts you left behind. – With love, your niece Jennifer
#6 Comment By Chet Breitwieser On November 24, 2020 @ 7:37 pm
Diane and Danny,
Holding you close in my thoughts and prayers with the passing of your dear mother. I remember her happiness, kindness and wonderful laugh. She was always so thoughtful and kind to our family. I well remember those many years of camping and float trips on the Current River. She always made the best peanut brittle at Christmas. I know she is resting in peace, reunited with your Dad. May good and treasured memories bring you comfort.
Chet Breitwieser
Belleville, Illinois
and
Arrow Rock, Missouri