Betty Byers Viar

April 23, 1923 - January 29, 2018

Obituary For Betty Byers Viar

Betty Byers Viar, 94, formerly of 603 Lawndale Drive, Macomb, passed away on January 29th, 2018 in Raleigh, NC where she had been residing for the past several years. Her family agrees that she was a very special person, wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, teacher, and friend. She will be missed.

Betty was born on April 23, 1923 to Otis and Helen Byers in Springfield, IL. She married Don L. Viar on Dec. 25, 1943, in Chatham. He preceded her in death on November 3, 2010 in Macomb.

She is survived by one son, David (Jane) Viar of Glendale, Calif.; three daughters, Donna (Denny) Couch of Franklin, Ky., Sally (Dennis) Hansen of Deland, Fla. and Wendy (Dan) Galloway of Raleigh, N.C.; five grandchildren, Donika (Neil) Pierson, Mark Couch, Justin (Adrianne) Viar, Bethany (Brian) Smith, Adam Galloway, and Danielle Galloway; four great-grandchildren, Nathan Pierson, Derrick Pierson, Claire Elise Smith, and Marlowe Viar.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Velma (Paul) Cuba.

She lived most of her adult life in Macomb and Abingdon. She received her bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University and her entire career was devoted to teaching second grade and also middle school language arts. Many of her former students still remember her as a favorite teacher and credit her for their love and appreciation of literature. She retired from the Macomb School system after more than thirty years.

Betty was an avid reader and writer, sharing many poems and stories she wrote much to the delight of her family and friends.

As an active member of First Presbyterian Church while still residing in Macomb, Betty volunteered for various programs such as Presbyteers, Presbyterian Women, Mobile Meals, rummage sales, and Sunday School teacher.

In 1956, Betty became a member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization). She believed strongly in the principles of this international sisterhood which is dedicated to providing educational scholarships for women and gave much of her time and energy to this organization.

Cremation rites have been accorded and her family members look forward to gathering at a later date to celebrate her life. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Macomb, Illinois.

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Norma Kentner

Dave and I have very fond memories of Betty and Don, too. Lovely lady..... We are sorry to learn of her passing.
September 01, 2020

Wendy Galloway

Thank you, Becky. My mom did like to take her walks, almost until the end. I had forgotten about your visit; we had a good time. I really miss her, but I know she's with my dad again and at peace so that helps me. Thanks again, Becky.
September 01, 2020

Nancy Rutledge

Sally and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are will all of you at this time. Sincerely, Nancy Rutledge
September 01, 2020

Brenda Sayre

Dear Family, Sorry for the loss of your mother. I so remember your mother especially her energy and enthusiasm. What a great smile. She loved her family very much and took an interest in her children's friends. With caring, Brenda Sayre
September 01, 2020

Becky Featherlin Faxon

I remember your folks fondly. Used to see your mom walking with her blue cap with the big bill. Wendy and Dan, It has been a long time since Marsha McCormick and I visited you in Florida. Thank you again. Know you will miss your mom. I still think of mine every day and it has been a year and a half. Thinking of you all in your time of loss.
September 01, 2020

Wendy Galloway

Thank you so much, Norma; that means a lot.
September 01, 2020

Sharon Crain Blansett

Thoughts and prayers to the Viar family. I knew both your parents from attending the First Presbyterian Church and their friendship with my parents. Plus your mom was my pre-student teaching supervisor at Edison! Sharon Crain Blansett