Will County Gazette

Betty Lea Cordes, aged 78, of Maroa, IL, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, under the care of the nurses and staff of the Arc of Dwight, IL. She was born on September 19, 1946, in DuQuoin, IL, to Elmer A. “Joe” and Madeline Tanner. Betty married Dennis L. Cordes on August 16, 1969, at the Braceville United Methodist Church. After retiring from management at Caterpillar, she worked as a food server at Millikin University. Betty had a passion for traveling, particularly enjoying trips to Disney World and participating in various mini-trips with friends. She took pride in her gardening skills as a Master Gardener and dedicated her time to volunteering at Rialto Theater events and local Illinois Barrel Racing Club Shows.

Betty is survived by her husband, Dennis L. Cordes; sons Mickel Cordes and Lorne (Dawn) Cordes; daughter Justine (Sonny) Duke; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister Audrey Manegold, brother John Tanner, niece Amie (Jason) Shaputis, and nephew Joseph (Aliesha) Tanner. She was preceded in death by her parents and other family members.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial visitation will be held at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home and Crematory on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, starting at 10:00 am until the funeral service at 12:00 pm. Inurnment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

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