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Betty Greene

Betty Greene

1926

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2022

Cover photo of Betty Greene

Betty Greene

1926

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2022

Betty was born on June 6th, 1926 and passed away on February 26th, 2022 at the age of 95

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Funeral Ceremony

Sat, 5 Mar 2022 at 4:00pm GMT

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Photo of Betty Greene
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Photo of Betty Greene

Betty J. Greene, 95, of Durand, IL went home to be with her Lord at 3:15 a.m. Saturday, February 26, 2022 surrounded by her family. Born June 6, 1926 in Waterman, IL, the only daughter of Harry E and Elsie M (Hagan) Perry. Grew up in Waterman before attending Northern Illinois Teachers College (NIU), earning a bachelor’s degree, majoring in music with a minor in English. Moved to Durand upon graduating in 1948 to accept a music teaching position. Married Robert E Greene on August 13, 1949, in Waterman, IL. Betty loved music all her life. Taught both instrumental and vocal music and directed the Durand United Methodist Chancel Choir for 48 yrs. She enjoyed reading; writing poems – family was treated to her original poetry at every wedding and baby shower; sending cards – there were hundreds on her mailing list; bowling; dancing – she and Bob especially loved to polka, calling it “happy music”; traveling with hubby to all 50 states, Canada, many national parks with the kids, and Europe. She taught music and English in area schools for 23 yrs. including Durand, Winnebago, Spring Creek, South Beloit, and completed her career in Durand where it first began. Betty brought joy and inspiration to many through her music, directing multiple community programs such as Singing Sounds, organizing skits for Miss Durand contests, and bringing people of all faiths and ages together for a bicentennial celebration program in 1976. She also formed Hometown Harmony, a barbershop quartet which entertained many community groups and care centers for 23 yrs. During her tenure as Director of the Chancel Choir at Durand UMC, she directed Christmas and Easter Cantatas nearly every year, bringing young and old alike together in praise of her Lord. Betty was a 6-time cancer survivor, offering hope and encouragement to others coping with the disease. She was a member of the Durand Lions Club (song leader), Durand Women’s Club, a local bowling league, Durand UMC, and most recently, Faith Community Church of Davis, IL Survivors include 5 children: Linda Greene of Rockford, Larry (Anne) Greene of Colorado Springs, CO, Laurie (Ronald) Clark of Aurora, CO, Lisa (Jack) Walsh of Lake Summerset, and Janet (Buck) Wagner of Lafayette, IN; 5 grandchildren: Dan (Christine) Greene, Rebekah (Jeremy) Callahan, Joe (Becca) Greene, Ruth Wagner, and David Wagner; 7 great-grandchildren: Aidan, Adalyn, Gabby, and Jocelyn Greene, Dain, Ian, and Elsie Callahan; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by her parents and husband. A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 5, 2022 in Faith Community Church 212 W. McKimmy Street Davis, IL with Pastor Bob Kolb officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery Durand, IL. A visitation will be held at the Church from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 4, 2022. Memorials may be directed to: Durand Music Boosters, 200 W. South Street, Durand, IL 61024 or Mayo Clinic Cancer Research, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 To view additional details about Betty's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/betty-greene

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Betty Greene

Jun. 06, 1926 ~ Feb. 26, 2022

Betty J. Greene, 95, of Durand, IL went home to be with her Lord at 3:15 a.m. Saturday, February 26, 2022 surrounded by her family. Born June 6, 1926 in Waterman, IL, the only daughter of Harry E and Elsie M (Hagan) Perry. Grew up in Waterman before attending Northern Illinois Teachers College (NIU), earning a bachelor’s degree, majoring in music with a minor in English. Moved to Durand upon graduating in 1948 to accept a music teaching position. Married Robert E Greene on August 13, 1949, in Waterman, IL. Betty loved music all her life. Taught both instrumental and vocal music and directed the Durand United Methodist Chancel Choir for 48 yrs. She enjoyed reading; writing poems – family was treated to her original poetry at every wedding and baby shower; sending cards – there were hundreds on her mailing list; bowling; dancing – she and Bob especially loved to polka, calling it “happy music”; traveling with hubby to all 50 states, Canada, many national parks with the kids, and Europe. She taught music and English in area schools for 23 yrs. including Durand, Winnebago, Spring Creek, South Beloit, and completed her career in Durand where it first began. Betty brought joy and inspiration to many through her music, directing multiple community programs such as Singing Sounds, organizing skits for Miss Durand contests, and bringing people of all faiths and ages together for a bicentennial celebration program in 1976. She also formed Hometown Harmony, a barbershop quartet which entertained many community groups and care centers for 23 yrs. During her tenure as Director of the Chancel Choir at Durand UMC, she directed Christmas and Easter Cantatas nearly every year, bringing young and old alike together in praise of her Lord. Betty was a 6-time cancer survivor, offering hope and encouragement to others coping with the disease. She was a member of the Durand Lions Club (song leader), Durand Women’s Club, a local bowling league, Durand UMC, and most recently, Faith Community Church of Davis, IL Survivors include 5 children: Linda Greene of Rockford, Larry (Anne) Greene of Colorado Springs, CO, Laurie (Ronald) Clark of Aurora, CO, Lisa (Jack) Walsh of Lake Summerset, and Janet (Buck) Wagner of Lafayette, IN; 5 grandchildren: Dan (Christine) Greene, Rebekah (Jeremy) Callahan, Joe (Becca) Greene, Ruth Wagner, and David Wagner; 7 great-grandchildren: Aidan, Adalyn, Gabby, and Jocelyn Greene, Dain, Ian, and Elsie Callahan; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by her parents and husband. A Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 5, 2022 in Faith Community Church 212 W. McKimmy Street Davis, IL with Pastor Bob Kolb officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery Durand, IL. A visitation will be held at the Church from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 4, 2022. Memorials may be directed to: Durand Music Boosters, 200 W. South Street, Durand, IL 61024 or Mayo Clinic Cancer Research, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905 To view additional details about Betty's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/betty-greene

Show your love and support to Betty's family by adding your name to Betty's Guest Book.

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Plant a memorial tree in Betty’s memory with one of our re-forestation projects.

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APhotocan be worth a thousandWords

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Flowerscan often say itBest

12 Memories preserved

How did Jay & Christine know Betty?

"Betty's dad ran our family's gas station in Waterman, IL in the 1960s. "

Jay & Christine

Betty's Her Dad Ran Our Family'S Gas Station In Waterman, Il In The 1960s.

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Robert

Betty's Classmate

Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mother. Betty was a beautiful and lovely lady. I remember the years back in Durand. Judy and Bernie called to inform me of her passing. My sister Debbie and I send our love. She's now forever in peace resting in heaven. Bob and Debbie Merideth Oahu Hawaii / Seattle Washington

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Tammy

Betty's Greatniece

What a beautiful service … I loved my Aunt Betty so many memories with her growing up and always her sweet Christmas cards and birthday cards over the years. I will miss those . What a beautiful person who showed such enthusiasm for life here on earth but more importantly her ultimate goal of eternal life with Jesus

Dear Laurie & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Your AORN Family and HCO Teammates - Tribute Store

With deepest sympathy, - Auburn High School Scholastic Bowl Team

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Jay & Christine

Betty's Her Dad Ran Our Family'S Gas Station In Waterman, Il In The 1960s.

So sorry for your loss. 🙏

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Joyce

Betty's Cousin

We extend our deepest sympathies on the loss of your Mom. Your family is in our prayers. With Love, Joyce & John Morgan

Jeff, Scott and I, are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult times. - Tracey Baker

I am sorry to hear about the loss of Betty J. Green from Durand, Illinois 61024, I' m happy to know that she enjoyed teaching music and English when teaching classes in Durand School District.She lived a lot of years as a widow from Robert E. Greene.I am sorry to hear about the death of Betty Greene.Hope that her family is safe and healthy from the Variants and Viruses of COVID-19.Sincerely yours, Suzanne Lee Boomer Durand Woman's Club - Suzanne Lee Boomer

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss... Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. - Rockford Auburn Athletics & Activities

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