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.

Betty Byers Viar

April 23, 1923 - January 29, 2018