Betsy Dare Rodenberg

Betsy Dare Watkins Rodenberg passed away peacefully at Parkway Manor on May 16, 2025 to be with her Lord and loved ones who passed before her. She was 89 years old.
She was born on September 13, 1935 at home in rural Pleasant Ridge, Kentucky. Her parents were Lillian (Westerfield) Watkins and James William Watkins. They preceded her in death.
She married Robert Irvin Rodenberg in 1956. He preceded her in death in 2001. They had 4 children.
She is survived by son, William "Bill" (Mary) Rodenberg of Overland, MO; daughter, Susan (Kerry) Durfee of Stonefort, IL; son, Robert (Kathy) Rodenberg of Marion, IL; and son, Frank (Debbie) Rodenberg of New Hartford, CT.
She had 14 grandchildren: Jenna Blythe of Murphysboro; Kristopher (Vanessa) Durfee of Paducah, KY ; Jacob (Jocelyn) Rodenberg of Bellingham, Washington, Beverly Rodenberg of Bellingham, Washington, Danny Rodenberg of San Diego, CA; Michael (Becca) Rodenberg of St. Louis, MO; Simon (Crystal) Rodenberg of St. Louis, MO; Sarah (Daryl) Sheppard of Chattanooga, TN; Ruth (Corey) McCollister of St. Louis, MO; Anna Rodenberg of St. Louis, MO, Lydia Rodenberg of St. Louis, MO; Rachel Rodenberg of St. Louis, MO; Rebecca (Sam) Duran of St. Louis, MO and John (Sydney) Rodenberg of Indianapolis, IN. She is also survived by 18 great grandchildren.
She is survived by 3 nephews and 1 niece: Jim Watkins of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Ritchie Sublett of Nashville, TN; Joe Sublett of Knoxville, TN and Rebecca Sublett of Nashville, TN.
She is also survived by a special great niece, Julia Stephenson; and great nephew, Zeke Sublett; as well as numerous cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Norman Watkins; sister, Fay Sublett; niece, Julie Sublett; nephew, John Sublett; and nephew, Dick Watkins.
Betsy was raised in a happy and loving family. She had a brother, Norman Watkins and sister, Evelyn Fay Sublett. She adored both siblings and was their baby sister. When Betsy got in trouble Norman and Fay would beg "Don't spank her! Spank us!" Their life in Pleasant Ridge was indeed "pleasant." Card games, taffy pulls, parties, riding around in jeeps with friends and abundant laughter. Her Watkins cousins lived nearby and they were inseparable. There were numerous other extended family members who lived near her as well. Her Grandfather served in the Civil War and her Grandmother crossed the Cumberland Gap in a covered wagon as an early pioneer. A good time was had by all. Delicious meals, playing paper dolls cut from a catalog, homemade dolls and doll clothes and various other entertainment. There was no television so no doubt Betsy's ideas and imagination kept everyone busy. She had a dog named after all their country neighbors: Alphonso John Antidote Patricia Bubba Junior Feetheart Kelly. That was a mouthful! Little Betsy dressed pets in doll clothes and pushed them around in a baby carriage.
Betsy attended school in Pleasant Ridge and Whitesville, KY. She graduated from Davies County KY High School. She attended a one room schoolhouse for a while and remembered the days of ration stamps and the depression. Her Daddy (known to his grandkids as Nannypop) brought a hot lunch to his children every day while others had whatever was in their lunch box. She said there was ample food in their home due to farming and gardening efforts of her parents. Her Mother always had fresh eggs, made their own cottage cheese, and both parents smoked or canned their meat. They didn't have running water until the 1960's. A common dipper in a bucket of water was shared. The outhouse had to be used even in winter. Her Mother practiced early recycling making quilts from discarded material and clothing. They didn't have electricity for a long time and used oil lamps. "It was a different life but I wouldn't give anything in the world for it." She always loved Kentucky and longed to return there. She remembered funerals held in the family home.
As a teenager, she regularly attended performances at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and saw many of the early great Country Music stars perform there. Betsy said they were at Church "whenever the doors were open."
She worked as a bookkeeper and tax preparer over 50 years at the same business in Marion, IL which was owned by Laura and Levi Simpson, Joe Marlo and Carlos Tanner. She retired at 80 years old and her former clients still ask about her and are happy to see her.
Betsy was a loving Mother. She read to her children, played games and did crafts. She would play "restaurant" with them including a menu with selections and money to purchase the items. She taught them valuable skills such as how to yodel and do the twist using a towel as a prop. She taught us to smile at people if they were mean or rejected us. If we tattled, we were in big trouble. She made us work out our own differences and learn how to solve problems ourselves. She was the one we feared if we did something wrong, not Dad. We would get "the look" and know we'd better straighten up.
Mom loved to iron and do laundry. She was also an excellent cook who loved to feed friends and family. Her specialties were green beans, pot roast, ham and pecan pie. Betsy had a green thumb. She grew beautiful flowers. She had the most beautiful hydrangea bush in Marion.
Betsy was fiercely independent with a mind of her own. She was highly intelligent and had a memory like an elephant. She was the life of the party wherever she went. In high school she often crashed parties with friends in Owensboro and had a ball. They were glad she showed up! She was a gifted storyteller with a vivid imagination. She "held court" and was always surrounded by people whether it was a family gathering, the grocery or in the doctor's office- her loved ones referred to her as a man magnet. She was an engaging conversationalist and often complimented others and expressed interest in their families and lives.
Betsy always said her best feature was her feet. Her family considered her quick wit, lack of filter and wisdom to be her best features. She kept us laughing.
Betsy derived joy and fulfillment from going to yard sales. She had many collections including dolls, figurines and glassware.
Betsy was a member of Second Baptist Church in Marion, IL.
She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
Special thanks to staff at Parkway Manor in Marion, IL and the numerous friends and family who helped through the difficult journey of losing her. The family also thanks Betsy's loyal friend, Becky Steffans, who demonstrated loving dedication and assistance for Betsy for 10 years.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL.
The visitation will be at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home on Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Following the time of visitation, the funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. with Rob Landes officiating.
Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion.
For those who prefer, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital." Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 North Court Street, Marion, IL 62959.
For more information, call the funeral home at 618-993-2131. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Betsy, please visit our Tree Store.