Betty Rainwater, 92, of Marion, formerly of Salem, went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 1st, 2026. She was born in Odin, Illinois to Eugene and Faye Marie (Greider) Garrison on February 10th, 1934. She would marry the love of her life, Jim Rainwater, on October 25th, 1952, and they would spend 59 amazing years together, till his passing in 2011.
She is survived by her three daughters: Kathy (Terry) Nixon of Kissimmee, Florida, Julie Bredar of Marion, Illinois, and Vikki Rainwater of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; five grandchildren: Andrew (Amanda) Bredar, Arcena (Bret) Thomas, Cole Bredar, Travis (Casey) Nixon, and Grant (Kayla) Bredar; and eleven great grandchildren: Ethan Bredar, Alexander Bredar, Julian Bredar, Sophie Thomas, Violet Thomas, Samuel Bredar, Parker Bredar, Rhett Bredar, Carter Nixon, Roman Bredar, and Colt Nixon.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Rainwater; parents, Eugene and Faye Marie Garrison; brother, Bill Garrison; and son-in-law, Steve Bredar.
Betty was a woman of great faith and a longtime member of the First Christian Church in Salem.
She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who left with us the greatest example of kindness and generosity. An example that taught a daughter to be a wonderful mother and grandkids how to love unconditionally and without judgment. Her love for others showed through all she did, every meal she made with care for those she loved, and every person who left her presence warmer and happier than they arrived. She was not just a great or devoted wife, she was part of one of the greatest love stories we had the privilege to watch and be a part.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 9th, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home with Pastor Phil Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 am till the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Christian Church and will be accepted at Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home, PO Box 97, Salem, Illinois, 62881. Online condolences may be left at www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Sutherland-Rankin Facebook page.
