Betty Elaine Gilmore

Betty Elaine Gilmore, 92, of Metamora, IL passed away at 2:31 am on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at Snyder Village in Metamora. She was born on June 20, 1925 in Washburn, IL to Roy and Martha (Webber) Metcalf. After her mother died when Betty was 5 years old, she made her home with her mother's sister, Emma and Coon Schroeder in Washburn. She married James R. Gilmore on May 4, 1946 in Peoria, IL. He passed away on March 19, 2009.

Surviving are her children Cathy (Randy) Egli of Cazenovia, IL, Janet (Dick) Schertz of Metamora, and Randy (Chris) Gilmore of Estero, FL; daughter-in-law Carole (the late Terry) Damerell of Washburn; eight grandchildren Troy Gilmore, Josh (Donna) Egli, Tami (Chris) Tallyn, Jennifer (Derek) Schussele, Dr. Rich (Jessica) Schertz, Ryan Schertz, Christopher (Jennifer) Schertz, and Matthew Gilmore; and nine great-grandchildren.

Betty graduated from Washburn High School in 1943. She worked at Bass Manufacturing Company in Peoria where Navy gloves were made for armed forces in World War II. She also worked for Sutliff & Case in Peoria, a combined restaurant and drug store. There she met her future husband, Jim, who had just been discharged after 2 ½ years in European Theatre of War. They lived in Washburn for 11 years and then moved to Lowpoint in 1957 where they lived for 49 years. They spent the winters in Hudson, Florida for 14 years until 2004 and then moved to Metamora in 2006. Betty was an avid quilter and won many awards on her hand quilting. She enjoyed camping, fishing, bicycling, crafting, and playing dominoes. She was of the Methodist faith.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 22, 2017 at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel with Reverend Rod Schertz officiating. No visitation will be held. Burial will be in Linn-Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Washburn. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Metamora Food Pantry, 122 West Mt. Vernon Street, Metamora, IL 61548 or the ARK Humane Society, 477 State Route 26, Lacon, IL 61540. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.