Betty Jacqueline Yeats

July 15, 1925 - July 15, 2020

Betty Jacqueline Yeats, 95, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 5:39 P.M. Wednesday July 15, 2020 at her home. She was born July 15, 1925, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Jack and Clara Caroline (Starkey) Hardy. She married Raymond O. Yeats on August 10, 1944 in Greenville, SC and together they enjoyed 58 years of marriage. He preceded her in death. She is survived by two daughters, Linda (Tracy) Farnsworth and Kathy Collier both of Rossville, IL; one brother, James (Helen) Hardy of Sterling, VA; two sisters-in-law, Ruby Stacy of Danville, IL and Ruth Weaver of Tilton, IL; 7 grandchildren, Scott Smith of Valdosta, GA, Sean (Cathy) Smith of Greenville, NC, Steven (Susie) Smith of Port Lavaca, TX, Megan Smith (Garth) Ludeman of Frenchburg, KY, Sara Roels (Andrew) Anderson of Sparta, WI, David (Tammy) Roels of Viroqua, WI, and Chelsea Collier of Champaign, IL; 17 great-grandchildren, Maggie Smith, Ryan Smith, Shaden Smith, Bryland Smith, Chyla Jo Ann Smith, Noelle Smith, Cianndra Barraza, Kaitlinn Smith, Kaylee Turuc, Jessica Ludeman, Quinn Ludeman, Jackson Roels, Henry Roels, Carter Roels, Jacob Anderson, Charlie Anderson, and Charlie Zych; 2 great-great-grandchildren, Zayis Alexander Barraza and Xalleah Ryan Barraza; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Ray, she was also preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Clara Hardy; one daughter, Mary Joyce Smith; one brother and sister-in-law, Jack (Ruthanne) Hardy; one great-grandson, Jacob Turuc; and special friend, Harold L. Smock. Betty was a homemaker. She was a life-long member of the Rossville Presbyterian Church and later the Rossville United Methodist Church. She was also a lifetime member of the Iris Chapter of Eastern Star in Danville, IL, where she held many star point positions, was an instructor, grand representative for Florida and a Worthy Matron. Betty played bridge for over 65 years. She enjoyed playing at Hubbard Trail Country Club and the Hoopeston Community Center. She was an expert seamstress and made all her three daughter’s clothes. She enjoyed creating Halloween costumes for all her grandchildren and also made costumes for school plays. Betty also took great pride in making her yard look beautiful. During her travels to England and Ireland, she traced her family roots. She spent over 50 years studying her family genealogy. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday July 20, 2020 at Spring Hill Cemetery in Danville, IL, with Pastor Chris Quick officiating. Memorials may be made to the Iris Chapter of the Eastern Star in Danville, IL.