Betty S. (Anderson) Gatons

Betty S. Gatons (nee Anderson), age, 91, entered eternal life on Thursday, April 7, 2016 with her loving family by her side.

Betty is survived by her Loving Children, Barbara J. (John) Smith, Beverly J. (Paul) Woelfer, and Bradley D. Gatons; 9 Grandchildren; 18 Great Grandchildren; and 2 Great-Great Granddaughters; as well as numerous Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.

Preceded in death by her Beloved Husband of 72 years, Robert A. Gatons Sr.; Loving Son, Robert A. Gatons Jr.; two Sisters Lois Canaday and Ruth Schneider.

Betty was a Devoted Wife and a Nurturing and Loving Mother, but then there was so much more. She was always a hard worker. She worked side by side with her Husband whether it be in the garden, building a house, or being his partner in the wood craft business where she did the artistic painting. She was an excellent Baker, Seamstress and all around wonderful Homemaker. She was active in her children’s lives being a Den Mother, Band Booster, President of her Church’s Ladies Guild, and active in the PFA.  She worked for several years in the Plainfield National Bank Bookkeeping Department. She showed her family and everyone she came in contact with Inner Strength and Supportive Love.

Her biggest challenge began in 1988. She fought five bouts of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma over the period of 1988 through 2004; four times with chemotherapy and one time with radiation. She had a strong will to live and a deep Religious Faith. The love of family and friends helped her throughout, but as she told us once, it was her battle. During this time she continued to live her life to the fullest. She joined the Illinois Prairie Painters, Volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospital making baby hats, heart pillows, lap robes and Boo Boo Bunnies. She learned to play the organ and participated in the Senior Local Spelling Bee in which she took second place in 1994. Through the Positive People Group at St. Joseph Hospital she reached out to others that were battling cancer. Her positive, strong attitude was catching. She used her 91 years wisely.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

A Celebration of Betty’s life will begin on Saturday, April 16, 2016 with a visitation from 10:30 a.m. until the time of funeral service to be held at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 24024 W. Main St., Plainfield, IL 60544. Interment will be held privately at a later date.