Betty Ellen Oakley, age 88

December 29, 1934– October 2, 2023

Betty Ellen Oakley, age 88, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 4:30 PM – Monday, October 2, 2023, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 PM – Sunday, October 8, 2023, at Central Christian Church in Newton, Illinois, with Mike Knepper officiating.  The Burial will be in the Island Creek Cemetery southeast of Montrose, Illinois.  Visitation will be held 2:00 to 4:00 PM – Sunday, at the church.  Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois.  The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.

Betty Ellen Oakley was born in Edwards County, Illinois, the daughter of Vernon and Ethel (Bunting) Harris.  She married William Warren Oakley on February 8, 1956, at West Village Christian Church in Albion, Illinois.

Betty was a true homemaker.  She loved tending to her gardening, sewing, cooking, and baking.  If she and Bill were not found at home they could easily be found at Central Christian Church in Newton, Illinois where they were faithful members for more than 60 years, and where Betty played the piano for church services for many years.  She loved the Lord and shared her love at weekly Bible meetings. Betty taught Sunday School to young children for many years. In her younger years, Betty shared her musical talent singing in a trio, which also sang for a radio show.

Betty is survived by-

Husband of 67 years- William Oakley of Newton, Illinois

4 Children - David (Jonathan Wimer) Oakley of Mayetta, Kansas; Paul (Walter Lazenby) Oakley of Waynesboro, Virginia; Daniel (Beth) Oakley of Lakewood, Colorado, and Thomas (Valerie) Oakley of Drayden, Maryland

Brother – Robert (Carol) Harris of Carthage, Missouri

Sister – Sandra (Jim) Hortin of Albion, Illinois

Six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.