Betty Etherton, 83, of Rochester, passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at her residence.

Betty was born on December 10, 1933 in Buffalo the daughter of James and Geraldine Holbein Long.  She married Jack Etherton on November 28, 1953; he preceded her in death in 1992.

Betty was a graduate of Tri-City High School where she was Valedictorian of her class.  She worked on the farm with her husband, Jack for over 40 years, developed the West View Park subdivision and was active in the Sangamon County Farm Bureau and Illinois Pork Producers.  She also worked for the Illinois Department of Family Services and Department of Agriculture. She was an active member of Rochester Christian Church where she assisted with meal programs.  She was a volunteer for many years as an election judge and docent at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. Betty was known as the Caramel Lady and G-Betty, and will always be fondly remembered for her friendly smile and outgoing, kind, and helpful nature.  She never met a stranger, was an avid reader, passionate about genealogy, and enjoyed spending time with family and socializing with friends and playing cards.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Jim Etherton; infant sister, Gwendolyn Long; mother-in-law, Alda Mae Etherton; sister-in-law, JoAnn Mendenhall; and two nephews, Dale Mendenhall Jr. and Brian Gaffney.

She is survived by one daughter, Ann Frescura; one son, Joe (Karen) Etherton; daughter-in-law, Tammy Etherton; grandchildren, Jacquie, Mikell, Tori Jane, Collin, Emily, Kelsie, Jack and Bobby; great grandson, Cameron; two sisters, Theresa Gaffney and Jimmie Cope; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Rochester Christian Church with Reverend Brad Ferris officiating.  Private burial services will be held at Mechanicsburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Sangamon County 4-H Foundation or March of Dimes.