Betty Katherine Reynolds, 95, of Centralia passed away Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Centralia Manor. She was born on December 15, 1927, the daughter of Silas J. and Mary Etta (Daugherty) Scott in Centralia, Illinois. She married the love of her life, Dale C. Reynolds on January 3, 1946, at Faith Methodist Church and he preceded her in death on March 9, 1992. She married Alfred Starr on August 11, 2007, and he preceded her in death on September 21, 2022.
Survivors that were blessed by Betty’s beautiful soul include her beloved family, daughters, Jo Etta Phillips and husband Paul of Eaton, Ohio, and Connie Sinclair and husband Mike of Centralia, Illinois; her grandchildren, Peter Phillips and wife Kendra, and Joseph Sinclair and friend Gina; her great-grandchildren, Taylor Pennock, Tyler Phillips, and Jessica Phillips; great-great-grandchildren, Jude Pennock, and Sawyer Pennock; nephews, Mike Stone and wife Lee, and Danny Stone; survivors also include Alfred’s sons and grandchildren.
Along with her husband, Dale Reynolds, and her husband, Alfred Starr, Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Stanley Scott, Mary Scott, Dorene Scott, and Lana McCrockin; her nephew, Jackie Hooker; and her niece, Luanne McPherson.
Betty was a proud graduate of Centralia High School class of 1946. She attended Centralia junior college earning her associate degree and she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She later completed her master’s degree in therapeutic recreation. She was a Phi Theta Kappa charter member, and member of Kappa Delta Phi. Betty was active in the community she loved, serving as a faithful member of Calumet Street Christian Church, and Faith Methodist Church, where she did life in community with her church family. She was a member of the Lady Elks of Centralia and the Queen Mother of Centralia’s first Red Hat Society, making many lasting friendships. Betty was an accomplished educator, sharing her love of learning with her grateful students. She led homebound classes for one year in Centralia, went on to teach science and physical education in Highland, Grant Fork, Alhambra and in the New Douglas Community
Unit System, and later came to teach 2nd and 3rd grade at Willow Grove School in Centralia. Betty rounded out her working career by taking the opportunity to put her master’s degree to good use as the therapeutic activity director at Warren G. Murray Center for 23 years, until her retirement.
Betty was a lady with endless talents and abilities. Her heart’s passion was beautifully displayed in the art of dance, and she spent many wonderful years dancing with the “Boot Scooters” line dancing and entertaining throughout her community. She shared her knowledge while teaching at the Centralia Recreational Department, leading classes in dance, swimming, overseeing summer day camps, and supervising teen town. Betty was never at a loss to fill her hours as she had many interesting hobbies. She loved to paint in various mediums, and she stretched her creative side by making porcelain dolls, handmade baskets, and stained-glass art.
When the air cools and preparations begin for the annual Centralia Halloween Parade, everyone will have fond memories of how Betty would be filled with excitement. She loved nothing more than coming up with a theme, designing and building floats over the years for the parade. This Centralia tradition held a special place in her heart, and she appreciated the chance to give back to the community she loved. Betty was a lovely lady both inside and out who lead by example. She will be remembered for her compassionate heart, her intellect, the way she never met a stranger, her ability to see beauty in all things, her faith, and especially her love for her family.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Mount Evergreen Cemetery in Central City with John Willis officiating. Memorials may be made in Betty’s honor to Centralia Humane Society and will be accepted for the family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolence and memories of Betty may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
