Betty J. Clifford

Betty Jean (Mates) Clifford, 75, of Altona, IL passed away November 15, at home, surrounded by family.

Betty was born on January 25, 1949 in Galesburg, the daughter of John Mates, who emigrated from Transylvania (Sard, Romania) and Sarah (Butler) Mates of Alpha. She married Jim Clifford, on Feb 4, 1972, in East Galesburg by Reverend Raymond Marquith.

Surviving Betty are her husband Jim, of Altona; children, Loretta (Randy) Budd of Mesa, AZ; Stephanie Woertz of Kewanee; Jeff (Theo McCaughey) Clifford of Sausalito, CA; and Jeanie (Tony) McCann of Altona. Betty was also blessed with several grandchildren, including Johnathon (Emilia) Lynch of Moline, Illinois, Tyler (Hope) Stewart, Emily Stewart, and Matthew Clifford, all of Altona, and Sofie Budd of Mesa, Arizona. Betty is also survived by 3 great-grandchildren and one on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents and 12 siblings. Her sisters-in-law, Ann Liby of Monmouth, Alice Anhalt of Burlington, IA and Barb (Bob) McCommons of Knoxville provided much support to her and love, as did her best friend from her grade school days, Linda (Yeager) Pascoe.

Betty retired from Maytag and also had fond memories working for Waunee Farms as a Banquet Manager. She proudly supported her husband, who was a long-time Road Commissioner of Walnut Grove Township, and the love of her life.

She was a keen observer of the world, a hard worker who appreciated a job well done, and a problem-solver. She also appreciated a good Western movie, and we’d like to think of her riding off into the sunset on one of her beloved horses.

There will be a private graveside service in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made in her honor to The National Audubon Society or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.