Betty Jean (Choate) Gale

Betty Jean (Choate) Gale, age 93 years, a resident of rural DuQuoin, Illinois and a native of the Reevesville Community in Johnson County Illinois, passed away Thursday morning, June 1, 2023, at 9 A.M. at her home. Betty was born August 9, 1929 in Reevesville. She was the youngest of seven children born to Walter Choate and Gertrude (Royster) Choate. On August 16, 1947, Betty was united in married to Donald Eugene “Gene” Fowler. He preceded her in death on September 24, 1971. She was then united in marriage to Howard Lawrence Carr on March 31, 1973. He preceded her in death on September 28, 1980. She was united in marriage to Glen B. Gale on February 27, 1982. He preceded her in death on November 30, 2013. Betty is survived by: her children – Barbra L. Leigh of Elkville, Illinois and Phyllis K. (her husband, Gary) Jones of DuQuoin, Illinois; 3 grandsons – Don S. (his wife, Christina) Funk of Tunnel Hill, Illinois, Matthew G. (his wife, Kathi) Jones of Tamaroa, Illinois and Devin M. (his wife, Elizabeth) Jones of DuQuoin, Illinois; 5 great grandchildren – Alexandra N. (her husband, Chris) Funk Rawson of Murphysboro, Illinois, Madison K. (her husband, Michael) Jones-Smith of Columbia, Missouri, Zach G. Jones of Tamaroa, Brayden S. Jokisch of DuQuoin, Illinois, and Brooklyn G. Jones of DuQuoin, Illinois; 2 Great-Great Granddaughters – Nora Jean Rawson and Nala Jane Rawson both of Murphysboro; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husbands, Betty Jean was preceded in death by her siblings – Helen McBride, Marion Choate, Mildred Haynes, Pauline Trovillion, Charles “Bud” Choate, and Wanda Choate. Betty was employed as a mental health technician at the former Anna State Hospital for several years prior to her retirement in the 1980’s. Betty was a member of the Elkville Baptist Church, where she had taught an adult Sunday School class. Betty also enjoyed music and singing. She was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed attending her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday afternoon, June 6, 2023, at 12 Noon at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Burial will be in the Reevesville Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 6, 2023, from 11 AM – 12 Noon at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Residential Hospice of Southern Illinois, 104 Airway Drive #1, Marion, IL 62959 or to the Elkville Baptist Church, P.O. Box 157, Elkville, Illinois 62932

Betty Jean (Choate) Gale

August 9, 1929 - June 1, 2023