Mary Elizabeth (Betty) McBride of Monmouth, IL entered Heaven’s gates on April 12, 2020 with a smile on her face and peace in her heart. After a brave battle with cancer she passed away at home surrounded by her loving family.
Betty was born in Biggsville, Illinois to Jane (Adair) and Philip Duncan on February 5, 1934. Betty attended elementary school in Biggsville, IL and later graduated from Monmouth High School. She attended Monmouth College, the University of Illinois, and received a B.S. from Chadron State College, NE, and a M.S. from Truman University, MO.
Betty married Jack E. McBride on July 10, 1953 in Monmouth, IL. and he passed away on June 4, 2011.
She is survived by their children Jack L. McBride (Jannie) of Mexico, MO; Julie McBride of Los Angeles, CA; and Amy Basic of Warren, Ohio. Betty has four grandsons including Dustin Rutherford, Dallas Rutherford, Josiah McBride and Jonas (Natalie) McBride. She is also survived by her two sisters Barbara (Gary) Saben and Lynn (Greg) Stokes and her brother in law Jerry McBride; many nieces, nephews and special cousins.
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her son Josh McBride.
Betty taught first grade at Canton High School, Canton, MO for 10 years and later served as a high school Guidance Counselor. While there she was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year on two separate occasions. She also worked as a Women’s Guidance Counselor at Culver Stockton College, MO. Betty was employed as a Guidance Counselor at Galesburg High School, IL for 10 years.
Betty served on several boards in the Monmouth community including the Monmouth Education Foundation; Buchanan For the Arts; Maple City Concert Series; Monmouth College Alumni; and the Addleman Foundation. She was also a 50-year member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and a member of Monmouth PEO, Chapter E.
Betty was an active member of the Monmouth Faith United Presbyterian Church having served as a Trustee, Elder, and Deacon.
During her retirement Betty enjoyed traveling around the world with her husband and visiting her children and grandchildren. She was an avid gardener and her yard was featured in the annual Monmouth Garden Walk; she enjoyed quilting, playing bridge, book club, riding her bike, morning coffee with her friends, being a good neighbor, and entertaining in her home.
Betty has gone Home to be with the Lord but her work on earth is not done. She hopes that her family and friends will continue her legacy by offering their own acts of kindness to others in her memory.
Due to Covid-19 virus recommendations and restrictions a Private Family graveside service will be held at Monmouth Cemetery. A Celebration of Betty’s life will take place at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Faith United Presbyterian Church, Harbor Lights Hospice or Hearts United in God’s Service, Inc (HUGS) at www.hugsforuganda.com. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Is in charge of the arrangements For more information or to leave an online condolence please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com
