Betty Stumpe's Obituary
My mother, Betty Gene Hulsey, was born in Doe Run, Missouri in June 8, 1927. She lived for a short time in Dupo, IL and then moved to Pinckneyville, IL when she was in 2nd grade. A few years later, her sister Patsy Ruth arrived. The two girls were very close and were frequently partners in crime. Betty had many fond memories of growing up in Pinckneyville. She frequently reminisced about playing tennis at St. Bruno's, swimming at the city lake, and going to dances at the high school.
She met and married Jack Stumpe on June 22, 1946. During their many years together, Jack and Betty shared many adventures. They owned a hatchery with Jack's parents, owned and operated two farms, moved to Florida while Jack was serving at Eglin Air Force Base during the Korean War, and developed enduring friendships from all facets of their lives.
Their biggest and most treasured adventure was raising their two children. I was born on November 14, 1952 and John Charles came along on February 1, 1955. I married Bill Louv and we live in Durham, NC. Aaron and Carter, Betty's perfect grandsons live in Durham, NC and New York City, respectively. Betty savored her time with her grandsons and passed along her cooking talents to both of them. Aaron, who is now in law school, has worked as a chef in Durham, and Carter is now a successful chef in New York City. Both boys have wonderful memories of great family times in Pinckneyville with delicious meals prepared by their grandmother.
Since John was born with multiple physical and mental challenges, Betty's life became that of a full time care giver. For ten years she rose to the challenge on a daily basis and her beloved Big Boy thrived. She taught him to walk, pureed his meals so he could gain weight and strength, and nursed him though many illnesses. I will always remember her love and dedication for us. Her devotion to John did not change when she placed him at Murray Center. She would bring him home on the weekends and holidays, take him for rides in the car, and always make sure he had a Dairy Queen ice cream cake for all celebrations. Betty was also very active in the Murray Parents Association and served as president of the organization on multiple occasions. Besides caring for her family, Betty also served as the healthcare assistant for Pinckneyville Public Schools student health program. She had this position for over 20 years and enjoyed her time with the students and faculty.
The last 15 years have been challenging for all of us as my mother has battled dementia. The love and care provided by her family, friends, Mason Woods and Coulterville Care Center have made her life better as she struggled with this terrible disease. Her long time friends CK Longshore, Diane McPheeters, and Nadine Craig have provided invaluable support for my mom and have taught me about friendship. I have also benefited from the love and support of these wonderful women and my best friend since kindergarten, Barb Kirby. She and her husband, Marty, have given me a warm place to land and a sympathetic ear when things got rough. Barb and her extended family have included me as part of their family and have made this journey much more bearable.
Even though this hasn't happened for years, I still miss our daily telephone chats and her sage but humorous advice. My mother could make a party out of any situation. When we were little, she would pack some hot dogs and chips and take us to the farm for a cookout with my dad. She convinced us that the hot dogs tasted better and that we were having more fun eating outside despite the mosquitoes. She would never take the same route to and from a destination. If we were going to Carbondale to eat McDonald's, she would go through DuQuoin on the way down and then go through Murphysboro on the return trip. I still do the same thing when I'm traveling. And, if I make chili for dinner, I must have chocolate pie. These are only a few of the many little things I will remember about my mother and the time we spent together.
A memorial service will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Don Meeks officiating. Interment will be at I.O.O.F Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL.
Visitation will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.
As for donations, her one and only choice was Murray Parents Association, 1535 W. McCord St., Centralia, IL 62801. The caregivers at the Warren G. Murray Development Center are part of our extended family and would greatly appreciate all of your donations.
For more information or sign an online guest register please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.
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