Betty J. Hembrey

Covington, Ind. - Betty J. Hembrey, 91, of Effingham, Illinois and formerly of Covington, passed away at 7:22 p.m. CDT Sunday, August 17, 2014 at Lakeland Rehab and Health Care Center in Effingham. Betty was born December 19, 1922 at Snoddys Mill/Coal Creek area south of Covington, Indiana to the late Walter O. and Lola A. Yerkes Snoddy. Betty first married Jesse L. Hodge in Covington, Indiana in 1941. From this marriage they had a son, Jackie L. Hodge who preceded Betty in death on December 16, 1955. Betty later married William L. Hembrey in 1946 and from this marriage they had a daughter, Cheryle J. Hembrey Crawley of Pismo Beach, California. Other survivors include one grandson, Jason D. Crawley; great granddaughter, Rheanna G. Crawley; sister-in-law, Carol Snoddy of Florida, and many nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorotha(Ed)Matteson of Colorado and Margaret(Emil)Engel of Illinois; three brothers, William Dale of Florida, Charles M.(Evelyn) of Indiana and Walter(Owen) of Florida and noted spouses. A resident of Perrysville for over 12 years, Betty graduated from Perrysville High School in 1940. She then moved to Covington where she married her first husband. Near the end of WW II, employment took Betty and her late son, Jackie to Danville, Illinois where she resided for over forty years. Betty worked for the US Treasury Department before entering the medical profession having worked for Dr. O.J. Michael, Dr. E.T. Baumgart, and Dr. Jean W. Moore before retiring after 25 years. She then returned to the Snoddys Mill area and served on the CCSC Cemetery, board of directors. Betty was the 4th generation that owned the Snoddys Mill, which dates back in the 1880's. Upon retirement Betty remodeled a home at Snoddys Mill where she remained until poor health took her to Effingham, Illinois. Betty enjoyed and loved listening to music and sewing. Cheryle and her family wish to thank the staff at Lakeland and Betty's surrounding family for the care and affection shown to her mother/grandmother while residing there. Graveside services and burial: 11 a.m. EDT Thursday, August 21, 2014 at Coal Creek Cemetery south of Covington, Indiana; Officiating: Rev. Keith Klossner.There will be no visitation. The family request contributions to the Coal Creek Cemetery Association, C/O Elizabeth White, 1001 2nd Street, Covington, Indiana 47932. DeVerter Funeral Home in Cayuga, Indiana in charge of arrangements.