Betty Jean Hartsey, age 95, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Flora Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.

      She was born May 14, 1929, in Louisville, the daughter of William Henry and Sarah Elizabeth (Sutton) Harrington.  She was united in marriage to Ivan Paul Hartsey on November 15, 1947, at the First United Methodist Church in Flora, and they shared 17 anniversaries until his passing on March 11, 1965. 

      Betty worked as a waitress at her brother’s restaurant, the C and E Cafe in Louisville, and later retired from the Highway Cafe.  She will be remembered for her delicious pies, often receiving calls from family and friends who requested coconut cream and pecan.  Betty also enjoyed crocheting, making baby blankets and doilies.  Her home was always open to family and friends, and over the years she was always willing to help care for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, no matter her age.

      She is survived by a daughter: Sandy Byers of Flora; a son: Steve (Linda) Hartsey of Louisville; 3 grandchildren: Brett, Mandy (Keith), and Mitch (Robin); 6 great grandchildren: Stormie (Austen), Summer, Austin, Abby, Jacob (Kenzie), and Jaden; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 3 half-brothers; 3 half-sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

      She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son: Ivan Hartsey Jr.; 7 brothers: Floyd “Red,” Charlie, George, Forest, Herb, Henry Dale, and Kenneth Harrington; a son-in-law: Randy Byers; 3 half-sisters; and a half-brother.

      A private graveside ceremony with interment will be held at Old Union Cemetery, Bible Grove.  Memorial donations are suggested to Flora Rehabilitation & Heath Care Center Activity Fund, and these will be accepted though the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com