Betty Simkins

Betty J. Simkins, 86, of rural Galesburg, died at 2:28 a.m.  Sunday, May 20, 2012 at Monmouth Nursing Home, Monmouth, IL.  Betty was born on February 22, 1926 in Birmingham, AL the daughter of John and Leola (Lewis) Gamble.  She married Herman J. Simkins on December 1, 1945 in Birmingham, AL.  He preceded her in death on October 16, 1995.  Betty is survived by one son, John (Mary) of Galesburg; three daughters, Kathy (Dennis) Agan of Galesburg, Carolyn (Andrew) Pecharich of Avon, and Christine Boone of Aledo; one brother, Lewis Gamble of Greenville, SC; and one sister, Sue (Hayward) McConnell of Greenville, SC.  She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Betty worked as the church secretary at First Christian Church and later at First United Methodist Church.  Betty was a member at First United Methodist Church and recently had been attending Grace Bible Church in Monmouth.  She loved her family, friends, and her flowers.  Betty was a great Christian caregiver and was always ready and willing to lend a hand when needed.  Funeral services will be at Watson Funeral Home 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 23, 2012, Rev.Bill Pittman, Jr. will officiate.  Burial will follow in East Linwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at Watson Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made to the Resident’s Fund at Monmouth Nursing Home or the FISH Food Pantry.