Mrs. Elizabeth (Betty) Yemm, 94, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully at Galesburg Cottage Hospital on July 7, 2019, surrounded by her loving family.
Born July 6, 1925 in Aurora, Illinois to Elizabeth (Ralston) and Marvin C. Gooding, she married Richard S. (Dick) Yemm on October 20, 1950 in Knoxville, Illinois. Dick and Betty celebrated 64 years of marriage prior to his death on February 19, 2015.
Betty graduated from Knoxville High School, and attended Monmouth College for two years before graduating from the University of Illinois in 1947. Following graduation, she worked as a business teacher at Gilson High School and Knoxville High School from 1947-1953.
As a member of several area organizations, Betty enjoyed her involvement with Chapter AM, P.E.O., Chapter 880 of Eastern Star, Lucretia Leffingwell Chapter of DAR and MI Study Club. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Knoxville, and then First Presbyterian Church of Galesburg, in addition to Kappa Delta Sorority. She was an avid Bridge player.
Betty was extremely proud of her roles as wife, mother and grandmother. She provided a strong foundation for her family while steadfastly supporting Dick’s career in the automobile business. She enjoyed attending her children’s’ and grandchildren’s’ activities and was always there to praise their accomplishments. Betty’s gracious presence was felt by all those who knew her. The examples she set and impact she made on friends and family alike, will be long remembered.
Left to carry on her memory are her children, Beth (Steve) Miller of Dunlap, and Rick (Jamie) Yemm of Galesburg. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, Dr. Katie (David) Miller-Schrader of Orlando Florida, Bryan (Liz) Miller of Benbrook Texas, Amy (Jack) Walker of New Hope Minnesota, Dr. Richard (Stephanie) Yemm of Denver Colorado, Sara (Micah) Witherell of Galesburg, and 2 great grandchildren, Emily and Meghan Schrader.
Visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Hinchliff Pearson West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. A memorial service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the chapel. Private family burial will be at the Knoxville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: the Galesburg, Community Foundation for either the Knoxville Community Fund or The (Galesburg) Community Impact Fund (please specify which fund you wish your memorial to benefit) or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
