Betty C. Pearce, age 85, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away at 8:46 am on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, Illinois. She was born May 26, 1938 in Macomb, Illinois, the daughter of Cecil and Beulah (Stoneking) Rittenhouse. Betty was a graduate of Macomb High School. She later attended Browns Business College and Carl Sandburg College, where she attained her cosmetology certification. On April 20, 1958, she married Richard “Dick” Pearce in Macomb, Illinois and he is surviving.
After moving to Monmouth from Macomb, Betty worked for a time at Western Stoneware Company. After attaining her cosmetology license, she worked at Merrill’s Beauty Salon until its closing. She then opened her own business out of her home, providing hair styling until her retirement. Betty enjoyed cross-stitching, crossword puzzles, cooking, baking, and reading. Mostly, she loved her Church and being with her family. Betty is a long-time member of the Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood, Illinois.
Betty is survived by her husband Richard of Monmouth, IL, one daughter Jo Lynn Pearce of Monmouth, Illinois, one son, Jeff (Terri) Pearce of Alexis, Illinois, her grandchildren; Heidi Pearce, Justin (Josie) Thomas, Jeremy Thomas, and Brook Bolender, and nine great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister Marilyn (Charles) Litchfield of Macomb, IL, and one brother, Ron (Marilyn) Rittenhouse of Corpus Christi, TX. She is preceded in death by her parents, daughter Jana Pearce, grandson Eric Pearce, and great-granddaughter Riley Thomas.
As were Betty’s wishes, cremation is being accorded. A memorial service is planned for 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood, Illinois. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 AM at the Church prior to the service. Memorials may be left to Westminster United Presbyterian Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
