STILLMAN VALLEY — Betty Jane Shimkus Pierce passed away peacefully with her two sons by her side on January 5, 2025. Betty was born on July 27, 1946, to Bryon & Lucille Shimkus, in Rockford Ill. Betty was the only child of Bryon & Lucille. She did however have 1 half-brother, Carl Greer Jr & 1 half-sister Pat Clark. She attended and graduated from East High school, Rockford, as well as Rockford Cosmetology in 1964. While attending East high school, she met her husband, Don Pierce. They were married on September 12, 1964, and had 2 children, John & Steve, as well as 6 grandchildren. Don and Betty were married for 59 years, until Don’s passing in May of 2023. Betty was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother. Betty worked for Stillman Valley Insurance agency for 10 years and then Resource Insurance in Malta / Sycamore till her retirement.
Betty was a very outgoing person. She truly enjoyed being around people. Betty was a bowler for many years. She had a high game of 223. She tried her hand at golf. She walked 3 miles every day. Betty also participated in the weekly church sale. She played cards and board games on a weekly basis with her girlfriends. Betty was a member of the Stillman Valley Book club and attended Davis Junction Methodist church. Mom had this gift of speaking whatever was on her mind. She would express whatever she was thinking, even if it made you cringe sometimes. She got this trait from her father, Bryon who also was not afraid to say what he was thinking. I often wished I had this trait, as there is a certain freedom that comes with that. She also was a person who was literally never in a bad mood. She was always happy to see us.
Betty was predeceased by her husband, Don, Parents Bryon & Lucille Shimkus. Betty leaves to cherish her memory, John (Staci) Pierce, Steve (Lisa) Pierce, grandchildren Alexandria Pierce, Grant Pierce, Brent Pierce, Brett Pierce, Cameron (Lisa) Wills, Drew (Ancil) Philip. The family would like to thank the team at Oregon Living & Rehabilitation Center for the kindness, compassion and loving care shown towards our mother. Also, thanks to Serenity Hospice for support and guidance thru this difficult process. Memorials to Oregon Serenity House, Oregon Illinois. Funeral to be held on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025 at Advantage Funeral, Rockford, Ill, with visitation at 10:00am, funeral at 11:00am.
