Obituary of Orvetta "Betty" Barnes

Orvetta "Betty" Keyes Barnes, age 97, of Peoria passed away at Bickford Senior Living on Monday, July 3, 2017. She was born on April 28, 1920 in Sullivan, IL to Ada and Marion Keyes. Betty and her husband of 61 years, Wayland L. Barnes, were avid supporters of the many cultural and musical endeavors of Peoria. Wayland preceded her in death in 2002. Betty was also preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Mary, Mildred, Geraldine, and James. Betty is survived by her loving children, Ann (Jim) Anderson of Lakemoor, IL and Dr. Chad Barnes of Peoria, IL; four grandchildren, Jim (Stacy) Anderson of Woodstock, GA, Amy (Andy) Kraabel of Glenview, IL, Bradley (Rachel) Barnes of Marquette Heights, IL, and Jeff (Debbie) Barnes of Brimfield; and 9 great-grandchildren. Multitalented, Betty was a 50+ year member of the P.E.O. sisterhood, she served as President of United Methodist Women, and Conference Officer at First United Methodist Church, where she was a member since 1948. She was devoted to the efforts of the Peoria Symphony Guild, Amateur Musical, The Illinois Art League, Lakeview Museum, Proctor Service Auxiliary, and Peoria Garden Club. She and Doc were always comfortable on the golf courses, exploring on their travels to Israel, Spain, and Hawaii, and being surrounded by nature and wildlife. Betty's family would like to offer a special thank you to her nurses and aides at Bickford House and Bickford Cottage in Peoria, and Transitions Hospice for their loving care, and to everyone else for their wonderful care and support. A funeral service for Betty will be held on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 3:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, 116 NE Perry Ave., Peoria. Visitation will be held one hour prior. Burial will be private and for family only. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church. Betty's online memorial website may be viewed at www.cumerford.com