She was born in Springfield, Illinois, on January 19, 1929, to Charles and Gertrude Collier. Betty graduated from Lanphier High School in 1946 and from Browns Business College. She married Ray Van Hook on November 24, 1955, at Wesley Methodist Church and was married until he passed away in May 2011. Betty was a longtime Springfield resident until moving to be near her family in Texas in 2016. Betty worked at a variety of places in Springfield until her retirement in December 1991. These included Pillsbury Mill, Hobbs and the State of Illinois. She was a longtime member and former deacon at Third Presbyterian Church. Betty’s favorite things were her family, attending dances, spending the day just shopping with family and visiting her favorite vacation place Hawaii whenever she got the chance.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and brothers, Charles, Thomas, James and Jack Collier. She is survived by her son, Steve Van Hook (wife Pascuala); grandchildren, Thomas (wife Laken), Andrew and Brenden of Conroe, Texas. She is also survived by her longtime friend, Mary Collier; and her special niece, Cindy Laudeman, both of Sherman, Illinois.
A memorial service will be held for her Texas family and friends at her residence, The Forum, in The Woodlands, Texas, on Saturday, March 24 at 2:00 p.m. A service for her Illinois family and friends will be held at a later date at Third Presbyterian Church with burial with her husband at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois.
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