Betty Iles Carmack, age 94, passed away at home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, July 24, 2012.

Betty was born on September 27, 1917 in Tuscola, the second of three children to William and Anna Iles. After graduating from Tuscola High School, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois in 1938.

Betty taught junior high school in Tuscola for one year before marrying Ted Carmack in 1941, beginning a 60-year partnership which ended with his death in 2000. During World War II, while Ted served in the US Navy in the Pacific, Betty lived and worked in California. After the war, Ted and Betty returned to Illinois where they farmed and made their home near Camargo for the next 50 years. There, they raised their three children, Jane, Mary Ann, and John.

Betty was a life-long member of the Tuscola United Methodist Church where she was a Sunday school teacher. She was active in the Villa Grove Schools PTA and was a loyal supporter of the school district. Her life was one of complete devotion to providing a wonderful home for her family. She will be remembered as a kind and cheerful person who walked gently on the earth.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother William. In addition to her children, she is survived by her sister Mary Iles Carmack, five grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

The family is indebted to the kind and caring staff and residents of Brookstone Estates in Tuscola and to Lincolnland Hospice.

Memorial contributions can be made to a scholarship established in her name at Villa Grove High School, 400 N. Sycamore Street, Villa Grove, IL 61956 or to Lincolnland Hospice, 1004 Health Center Drive, Suite 202, Mattoon, IL 61938.

Interment will be in Tuscola Cemetery. A family memorial celebration of her life is planned. Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, Tuscola, IL is entrusted with the arrangements.

Online condolences to the family may be sent via hilligossshraderfh.com