Betty Fugate
Dow |
Betty L. (Long) Fugate, formerly of Fieldon, Illinois, passed away at Eunice Smith Nursing Home in Alton, Illinois on Friday, January 25 at the age of 74. Betty was born to Spencer V. Long and Minnie I. (Blackorby) Long in Hardin, Illinois on June 29, 1938.
As a young woman, Betty worked at the Shoe Factory in Hannibal, Missouri. It was there that she met and married John Fugate on April 15, 1963. Together, they raised five daughters, Kim (Bruce) Kendall of Pawnee, IL, Debra Fitzgibbons of Alton, Penny (Marion) Gauntt of Jerseyville, Pam (Chey) Hartley of Dow, and Mitzi Fugate of Alton. Betty is also survived by six grandchildren, Jon (Heather) Stinnett, Aaron (Olivia) Kendall, Jacob (Whitney) Kendall, David (Kelsie) McCoy, Joseph Gauntt, and Liz Gauntt and Joshua Deneef-Hartley. Betty is also survived by six great-grandchildren; Caleb, Canaan and Addelyn Kendall, Annabelle Stinnett, Arianna and Hayden Manning-Gauntt. She also leaves behind beloved sisters and brothers Joyce Bland of Kampsville, Lois Charlton of Mozier, Spencer O. Long of Hamburg, Herbert Long of Milton, and Howard Long of Batchtown.
In addition to being a wonderful mother, Betty was accomplished as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Garnet’s and Greenwood Manor nursing homes in Jerseyville. She also loved the sick and elderly in their homes until illness forced her to retire from the Jersey County Health Department in 1994. Betty brought smiles to the faces of all those under her care. She had the patience of a saint and has surely earned her wings.
Betty loved to spend time with her family, read, work crossword puzzles, garden, and play Bingo. She was an excellent cook and was always ready to add another plate to the table. Betty was a loyal friend, proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband John on August 4, 2012, a sister Bernita Dunham, and brothers Paul and Ed Long.
A visitation will take place at Alexander and Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29, 2013. A celebration of Betty’s life will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at Fieldon United Church of Christ in Fieldon, Illinois, with Rev. Barbara Alley officiating. Burial will take place at Indian Creek Cemetery in Hamburg, Illinois. Alexander and Gubser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Fieldon United Church of Christ, where Betty was a member.
Alexander Funeral Home
