Betty Bowers

MONTICELLO - Betty Jean Bowers peacefully passed away on Oct. 16, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, after a brief illness, with her son, Michael, by her bedside.

Betty Jean was born on June 26, 1944, in Giles County, Tenn., to Mary Frances (Rutledge) and Robert Henry Dickey. She was the third oldest of 10 siblings, spending her childhood and early teenage years in Lawrence County, Tenn., where she attended Campbellsville Grade School. She later attended Harbert Hills Seventh-Day Adventist Academy in Savannah, Tenn., where she met her future husband, Larry. They were married on July 2, 1967, in Lawrenceburg, Tenn.

Some of Betty Jean's fondest memories include playing in the deep woods of Tennessee with her siblings and cruising with a neighbor friend in a red convertible during the late 1950s. Recently, she had the chance to relive that experience, thanks to the staff at Piatt County Nursing Home and Rick Ridings in Monticello, who helped her celebrate her 81st birthday with a ride in a red convertible. 

Betty Jean cherished the memories of picking cherries and building picnic tables in Michigan during her late teens. She always smiled knowingly when recalling how her future husband serenaded her in the woods near their academy, playing the trumpet and guitar while singing to her. She loved all Christmas mornings and cherished the special "mother-memory" moments she spent raising her three children.

While raising her family, Betty Jean attended the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Champaign and remained a devoted Adventist throughout her life. She made her home in Champaign, Mahomet, and Monticello during her final years.

Betty Jean was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters (Penny Minor, Peggy Bee, Polly Bee, and Camellia Dickey Hayes), one brother (Robbie Lynn Dickey), her husband (Larry Norman Bowers), her oldest son (Larry Wayne Bowers), her daughter (Teresa Jean Bowers), one niece, and several nephews.

She is survived by her son, Michael Wilson Bowers of Mahomet; four sisters, Maggie Ellis, Iris Gilliam, Grace Krueger, and Janie Gowens, all of Tennessee; several brothers-in-law; nephews; nieces; and a few close friends.

Her son would like to express his gratitude to the caring and supportive staff of the Piatt County Nursing Home in Monticello, the emergency room and hospital staff at Kirby Medical Center, the Kirby Ambulance Service, the emergency room staff at Carle Hospital, Carle Hospice staff, and the dedicated doctors, nurses, and technicians on the 9th floor of Carle Hospital.

Betty Jean will be laid to rest beside her husband at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, in Locust Grove Cemetery in Philo, during a short graveside ceremony for all who wish to celebrate her life.