Betty Jean Samson

Betty Jean Samson of Tolono, passed peacefully from Earth to her heavenly home on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford, Illinois.

Betty was a life-long resident of Tolono, Illinois, born October 25, 1926, the daughter of Thurman and Lora (Anders) Fackler. Betty graduated from Tolono High School.

Betty married Frank Junior Samson (Izzy), on December 2, 1946. They were married 48 years before his passing April 9, 1995. Betty was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Robert Fackler, sister Daisy Knott, and son, Kenneth.

Surviving are her children, daughter-in-law Cathy Samson (Ken deceased) of Tolono, daughters Sue Eastin (Mike deceased) of Mattoon, and Mary Bennett of Tolono, son James (Pam) Samson, of Ogden, and daughters Bonnie Samson of Mahomet, and Joyce (Bryce) Rutter of Saint Louis, 15 grandchildren, Vicki Buffo (Jeremiah), Nichole Samson, Holly Bennett Barnhart (Brett), Brian Bennett (Jodi), Curtis Samson, Sara Samson, Jean Samson McCarthy (Phil), Katherine Samson, Matthew Ruhnow, John Ruhnow, David Ruhnow, Nate Ruhnow, Megan Rutter Kohnen (Paul), Erin Rutter, Spencer Rutter (Esther) and 17 great-grandchildren who brought her great joy: Morgan and Riley Amdor, Maria Buffo, Bridget, Broderick, Julia and Kit Barnhart, Brianna, Macanna, Alanna, and Gianna Bennett, Brooklyn and Shelby Samson, James and Edy McCarthy, Beatrice and John Kohnen, as well as many nieces and nephews and a number of others who lovingly referred to her as ‘mom’ or ‘grandma.’

Betty was employed by Curry’s Service in the late 1940’s and retired from Case Power & Equipment in 1985. But she remained an avid fan of all things J.I. Case. In her honor, those who attend services may choose to wear a bit of Case orange. Betty was an active member of Tolono United Methodist Church, Amaranth, Champaign County Home Extension, and led 4-H and Girl Scout Troops. Betty was known for her crocheting and sewing skills, bread, cookie, and pie baking, fried chicken, and homemade noodles. For many years she proudly hosted evenings of noodle making with the United Methodist Women to support missions and the Heifer Project.

Betty will be remembered for her kindness, beautiful smile, and quick wit.

Services will be held Saturday, January 25 at the United Methodist Church of Tolono, 301 North Bourne, Rev Ken Young of Fountain of Life Fellowship will officiate.

Visitation 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Funeral at 11:00 a.m., Internment at Bailey Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, or Angels Volunteer Organization at Veteran’s Hospital in Danville.

The service may be attended virtually through ZOOM:

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Meeting ID: 851 4659 6034

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