Blair, Betty L.

Betty L. Blair, 87, of Alexis died at 10:17 P.M. Monday, June 29, 2009 at Cottage Hospital, Galesburg, IL.

She was born May 15, 1922 in Alexis, IL the daughter of Frank Howard and Anna Bertha (Irey) Sperry.  She was raised and educated in Alexis, graduating from Alexis High School in 1940.

Betty married Marion Zielke on October 5, 1942 in Kohoka, MO.  She later married Ben Blair on May 4, 1974 in Alexis, and he died April 17, 1975.

Betty was a homemaker who enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, church and serving her community.  She served as an election judge in both Mercer and Warren Counties.  She had a great love of animals.

She was a member of the Norwood Presbyterian Church where she was a member of the Women’s Association, Warren County Chapter of DAR, 50 year member of OES, Woman’s Club, CC Club and the 60+ Club where she served as president.

Her surviving family includes her children: Janet (Thomas) Hulsey of Raleigh, NC,  Mike (Marsha) Zielke of LaSalle, IL, and Ange (Steve) Corben of Alexis, IL; grandchildren: Jennifer Hulsey and Steven (Kelli) Hulsey both of Sanford, NC, Amelia (Terry) Welty of Wataga, IL, Lori (Jason) Seaman of Byron, GA, Heather (Richard) Kent of Galesburg, IL, Sara Zielke and Matthew Zielke of LaSalle, IL, Benjamin Corben and Matthew “Alex” Corben of Alexis, IL; great grandchildren: Hunter, Liam, MacKenzie, Jordan, Lyric, Katy, Harley, Zeke, Sid and Piper; special sister-in-law, Joan Sperry of Alexis; 3 nieces, 3 nephews and her cats, Susie and Babe.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Howard Sperry and both husbands.

Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, July 3, 2009 at the Norwood Presbyterian Church with Rev. Agnes Brady officiating.  Burial will be in Alexis Cemetery.  Friends may call after 3:00 P.M. Thursday at Hoover-Hall Memorial Chapel, Alexis where her family will be present from 6:00-8:00 P.M.  Memorials may be given to the Norwood Presbyterian Church or the Western Illinois Animal Rescue.

Online condolences may left at hooverhall.com.