Betty Carlton

On a sunny fall morning God called Betty Emmann (Gutterridge) Carlton, 84, of Danville, to join His beautiful choir in heaven. She was at home listening to music with her family nearby. She left this world peacefully at 10:40 am on October 20, 2009 after fighting a long battle with Alzheimers disease. Betty was born February 23, 1925, in Ellis, IL the daughter of Frederick M. Gutterridge and Bessie A. (Bailey) Gutterridge. She graduated from Oakwood High School, Valedictorian of her class, on May 28, 1943. She continued her education at the Danville Institute of Business graduating on November 1, 1943. Following graduation she worked at Peyton-Palmer, Danville, Oakwood State Bank, Oakwood, IL and later at C&V Construction. Betty and her husband, Gene, owned and operated C&V Construction while at the same time farming many acres. She married Harold Gene E. Carlton on October 19, 1947. He preceded her in death on May 20, 2009. She is survived by her children Donna J. Carlton-Vish (Don), Diane M. Carlton, Dean E. (Angela) Carlton, and Dale A. (Connie) Carlton, all of Danville, 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She came from a large farm family who loved the outdoors and nature. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and six brothers, Meredith (Gutterridge) Taylor, Owen Gutterridge, Jacob Gutterridge, Charles F. Gutterridge, Harry L. Gutterridge, Paul Gutterridge, Frieda Gutterridge, Fletcher Gutterridge, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was baptized as a Christian at Lone Oak Church of Christ and was an active member there for many years where she was often found teaching Sunday School and Bible School. She later transferred her membership to Old Union Church of Christ which became Crossroads Christian Church. She was very active with the Win A Kupl Class at Old Union for many years often opening her home for class parties and functions. Betty loved music and was known for her beautiful soprano voice. She was often called upon to sing for weddings as well being a member of the church choir. She passed that love of music to her children turning their formal living room into a music room so that they had plenty of space for instruments and practice. She never complained about the wrong notes or loud sounds. Music was always playing in her home. She loved the arts in her community and supported the Danville Symphony and all of the theater groups by her attendance and contributions. She was a member of the Danville Sweet Adelines Barbershop music group for many years. When her children were involved in music or theater projects she was always available to help with costumes, uniforms, supplies, food and transportation. She was an avid Band Mom traveling with them in charge of uniforms and repairs. She always loved helping on band trips as well as chaperoning at Marching Band Camp. Her love of children was very deep and when she was not teaching her own she was advocating for the betterment of all children. She was instrumental in getting the hot lunch program started in Danville District #118 and was a leader in PTA who believed that kindergarten was very important in a childs preparation for school. She worked on the development and fund raising to provide the first public school kindergarten in the Danville Schools. Betty spent many hours at the sewing machine, a passion of necessity. She was an excellent seamstress and for years made all of her own clothing as well as clothing for her children, draperies, bed covers and other house decorating items. She made both of her daughters wedding gowns and some of the bridal party gowns as well. She shared these skills with her daughters even teaching them to tailor coats for which they won state awards in 4-H. She was an avid flower and vegetable gardener. She was an organic farmer from the beginning growing lots of vegetables to be canned or frozen for the winter. Her flowers were her pride and joy. Each year she would plan her garden so that it was bursting with color from spring until late fall. Spring boasted of tulips from Michigan followed by one of her favorite summer flowers, the snapdragon, but her favorite season was Fall with the beautiful fall foliage colors and long lasting mums. She was a long time member of the U of I Home Extension belonging to the Snider Home Extension Group. This group provided education and support to homemakers throughout the state learning about new developments for the home and family. Family was very important to her and she loved to be surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Betty loved having the family over for the holidays and other celebrations. Having come from large families it was common to have over 50 people in their home for a celebration. She loved the preparation, planning, and cooking that went along with these parties. She was well known for her cooking abilities especially meats and desserts. Betty loved to travel as well. She and Gene spent some of the winter months in Florida staying in St. Augustine and Bonita Springs as well as visiting friends and family. They also had the wonderful opportunity to visit all 50 states and several European countries. She had an infectious smile, soft hands, and a gentle but strong spirit. When she would take your hand and smile you knew everything was going to be alright. She will be greatly missed by her family and large circle of friends. Visitation will be Friday, October 23, from 4pm to 8pm, and Saturday, October 24 from 9:30am-10am followed by a celebration of the life of Betty Carlton at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Graveside rites will be held at Sunset Memorial Park, Danville. Betty was always ready to lend a helping hand to those around her. Continuing in that custom, memorials or donations may be made in the name of Betty Carlton to Crossroads Christian Church, 3613 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, IL 61834, Rileys Childrens Hospital, 1430 E. Fairchild Ste 4E, Danville, IL 61832, or Danville AMBUCs, P.O. Box 266, Danville, IL 61834-0266. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com