Betty was born to Elsie Cooper Hymbaugh and Everett Cleo Hymbaugh on June 7, 1932, in Hopedale Illinois and died December 31, 2021, in Pekin. After Elsie’s sudden death when Betty was 6 days old, she was lovingly nurtured by her aunt and uncle, Earl and Juanita Hymbaugh.
After graduating Hopedale High School, Betty married Charles R. Humberd on June 17, 1951, at Hopedale Presbyterian Church. Unfortunately, Charles died in July 1973. Born to that marriage were daughters, Sandy (Phillip)Anton, Linda (Robert)Prather and Rose (Rob)Bortolussi, and a son Chuck (Judy) Humberd. She loved her 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, the aunt and uncle who cared for her, her husband, and daughter, Linda.
After her husband’s death, she turned her love of children into many employment opportunities caring for other’s children. Although she was not a successful home cook, her family will laughingly recall her homemade bread for many years. It can almost be called the foundation of the family. Betty lived on the same rural Hopedale farm almost 75 of her 89 years.
She was a social butterfly, making friends wherever she went. A small-town girl who enjoyed gardening, Betty especially enjoyed tending the rose bushes from her husband. She had numerous animal companions that she adored through her life. She also enjoyed country music passionately, visiting Kentuckiana frequently to enjoy the entertainment.
Betty will always be remembered for her independence, strength, caring nature, and her sense of humor. She could always make you laugh. She would always tell it how it was - if you wanted an honest opinion and sometimes when you didn’t, she was the one to ask.
She was a lifelong member of the Hopedale Presbyterian Church. Cremation rites have been arranged through Affordable Funeral & Cremation Services, Peoria. A private graveside service will be held at later date.
Betty’s family encourages everyone to record their stories before they are lost in the fog of age and disease.
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