Betty Jean Routh

ST. JOSEPH — Betty Jean Routh (nee Saddoris), 94, passed away at 10:54 p.m. Friday (July 13, 2018) at home.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph United Methodist Church. Pastors Gene Turner and Dr. John Sims are officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.
Betty was born Jan. 24, 1924, to Will and Elsie (Ervin) Saddoris in the family home in Mayview. She married Lowell Routh on June 24, 1942, at Mayview Methodist Church. He preceded her in death July 6, 2003.
From that 61-year union four children were born, Lea Myrl Reeves (deceased), Mark William Routh of New Port Richie, Fla., Paul Lowell Routh of St. Joseph and Sara Jean Routh of Champaign; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Halle Blaemire Miller; husband, Lowell Routh; and daughter, Lea Reeves.
She was a lifetime member of Mayview Methodist Church until it’s closure in 1982, when she became a member of the St. Joseph United Methodist Church. She was an active member in both churches as both a teacher and leader of women’s organizations.
She was an active soloist, performing locally and throughout the state. She was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, a charter member of the Auxillary of the American Legion, Homemakers Club, Red Hats, Carle Auxillary and the former Women’s Club of St. Joseph. She volunteered at the St. Joseph grade school library and the Champaign County Forest Preserve, where she volunteered for 16 years and was known as the Bluebird Lady.
Prior to her husband’s death in 2003, Betty and Paul enjoyed entertaining friends and family as well as traveling both in the U.S. and abroad.
A special thank you to the caregivers that assisted in her care during the past year, Sherri Welty, Tracy Runck, Brenda Zoller, Sharon Busboom, Kim Knight and Lisa Stone.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Methodist Church, Cunningham Children’s Home or donor’s choice.