Carterville- Betty Lou Greathouse, 73, of Carterville, went with the Lord to be reunited with her soul mate at 9:16 AM, Sunday, April 13, 2014 surrounded by her family.
Betty was born on October 20, 1940 in Hilltop, KY to Wilburn C. and Madlean (King) Chitwood. She married the love of her life, Gary Dale Greathouse on August 24, 1957 in Zeigler. Together they shared 50 years and 3 months together until he preceded her in death on November 14, 2007.
Betty was a homemaker who also worked as an LPN for various nursing homes in the area. She and many of her family members worked at various times for Williamson County Ambulance Service.
Betty enjoyed putting out a large vegetable garden every year. She was an accomplished hunter of deer, elk, antelope, rabbits and squirrels. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing with Gary, making quilts, crocheting and oil painting. She was the matriarch of the family and everyone listened to “MaMa”. Her favorite quote was “This family may be poor, but we are rich in love and family”. She loved her family and will be dearly missed.
Survivors include-
Daughter- Madlyn Rowland of Carterville
Son- Edward Dale Greathouse of Carterville
Son- Donald Lee Greathouse and wife Sharon of West Frankfort
Daughter- Patricia Campbell and husband Kevin of Clifton Springs, NY
Twelve grandchildren:
John Greathouse and wife Kelly of Zeigler
Donelle Wiggs and husband Scott of Zeigler
Jennifer Greathouse of Zeigler
Kevin Greathouse and wife Jade of Benton
Matt Greathouse and wife Crystal of West Frankfort
Lee Edward Greathouse and wife Missy of Carbondale
Brittney Greathouse of Herrin
Will Greathouse and wife Mary of Columbia, IL
James Greathouse and wife Amber of Batesville, Arkansas
Amanda Greathouse of Herrin
Tara Greathouse of Lexington, KY
Kaleb Greathouse and wife Nicole of Louisville, KY
Thirty One Great Grandchildren
Sister- Marvlin Cook and husband Jim of Royalton
Many nieces, nephews and cousins
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson- Donald Greathouse, Jr., and great-grandson James Robert Greathouse, Jr., two brothers- Bob and Bub Chitwood and four sisters- Toots Tucker, Shirley Doty, Sarah Edwards and Brenda Chitwood.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. R. H. Chitwood will officiate. Burial will follow at McKinney Hill Cemetery in Carbondale. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Monday, April 14, 2014 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.
Memorial donations are suggested to the family and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St/ Herrin, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.