Betty Jefferson

SPRING VALLEY — Betty Louise Jefferson, 92, of Spring Valley passed away Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, at the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

She was born June 23, 1927, the daughter of Florence F. and Harry Symmonds of Bureau.

She is survived by her daughter, Victoria Susan Jefferson of Reno, Nev.; a son, Harold Michael Jefferson, and wife, Sandy Hamburg, of Rhinelander, Wis.; a daughter Debra Jean Rittmeyer of Atlanta, Ga.; a sister, Dorothy Ann Zenor of Hennepin; four grandchildren, Sarah Bowman and Nick of Bloomington, Minn., Samantha Jefferson and Adam of Verona, Wis., and Samantha and Scott Rittmeyer of Atlanta, Ga.; and four great-grandchildren, Zoelle, Mason, Hannah and Jude.

She lived in South Bend, Ind., for 20 years and eventually moved back to Illinois.

She was a natural “servant” at heart, as she followed in her mother’s footsteps working in the food service industry nearly her entire life. Later on she excelled at being a caregiver, providing home care to several friends and acquaintances. Giving of herself, serving others and loving on people were natural gifts she possessed.

She was a talented and creative artist, had a great sense of humor, she was funny and didn’t even know it, she was up for any kind of adventure, so not afraid to try something different and challenging, and she was a “Contemporary Mom,” up on all the latest trends.

She will be missed by her “girls” at her complex, her best friend, Mary, and her family. She was our “rock.” We have comfort knowing that it is her turn to rest and be served.

A celebration for Betty will be held later for her immediate family in the Upper Peninsula in October.

Gifts or donations in her honor can be made to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 IL-91, Peoria, IL 61615.