Betty J. Neberman

Betty J. (Skulstad) Neberman Northbrook, IL Betty J. (Skulstad) Neberman, age 83, of Northbrook, IL, formerly of Battle Creek, MI, died on Friday, October 29, 2010. She was born Betty Jean Jones on February 27, 1927 in St. Johns, MI, the daughter of Marion and Lucile (Lynn) Jones. She graduated from Grand Ledge (MI) High School in 1944, where she was valedictorian of her class and enjoyed playing cornet in the band. She subsequently attended Albion College where she was an active member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority and formed lifelong friendships with fellow classmates. She majored in education and married Robert Skulstad in Wacousta, MI in 1950. She had three children, John, Jean and Jim, and lived the majority of her life in Battle Creek, MI. Betty taught for 35 years in the Pennfield and Battle Creek school systems. Betty treasured the enduring friendships she made with her fellow teachers. An active member of the First Congregational Church throughout much of her life, Betty married Roy Neberman, another member of the church, in 1985 and gained three stepchildren, Jeffrey, Sandra and Kathleen. After retiring, Betty remained active with friends, enjoying social luncheons and book clubs. Three years ago, Betty moved to The Seasons, a senior living facility in Northbrook, Illinois to be close to her granddaughters, Julia and Jenna. At The Seasons, she developed new friendships, attended the theater (especially musicals) and took trips around Chicago. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters. Betty died after a short illness from complications of a previously undiagnosed cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Robert Skulstad in 1963 and Roy Neberman in 1989; her daughter, Jean Skulstad in 2005; and by two brothers, Lloyd "Bud" Jones and Dwight Jones. She is survived by her sons, John Skulstad of Denver, CO and Jim (Christine) Skulstad of Glenview, IL; and her granddaughters, Julia and Jenna Skulstad of Glenview, IL. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Nancy Jones Howitt of Laguna Woods, CA and Lili Jones of Battle Creek, Michigan At the request of her family, friends will be received on Monday, November 1st from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek. The funeral service to celebrate Betty's life will be held on Tuesday, November 2nd at 11:30 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Battle Creek, 145 Capital Avenue, NE, with the Rev. Thomas J. Ott, Pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek. Memorial contributions in Betty's honor may be made to the First Congregational Church of Battle Creek. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com