Mrs. Betty Jean (Johnson) Kimler

Betty Jean Kimler, 90 of Abingdon, passed away Thursday, November 23, 2017 at her home.  

She was born July 8, 1927 in Smithfield, Illinois, the daughter of Charles Henry and Dollie Rebecca (Hale) Johnson.  She married Elmer Nutt on January 10, 1948 in Abingdon.  She later married Clyde Kimler on October 9, 1964.

Betty is survived by one daughter, Ginger M. (Sheldon) Mandel of Wataga; and two sons, Elmer Charles Nutt of rural Galesburg and Paul L. Kimler of Williamsfield; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and their families. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Donna Hale, her daughter-in-law, Patsy Nutt, seven brothers and three sisters.

She attended Abingdon schools and had lived in Abingdon most of her life.  In 1948, she and her first husband Elmer, took over the Johnson Grocery Store on Main Street in Abingdon and operated it as the B & E Grocery.  She later worked at the American Sanitary Company (Brass Factory) in Abingdon and then retired from the Care Center of Abingdon, where she began working in the dietary department on September 8, 1981.  She was a member of the Abingdon Christian Church and the Grandmother’s Club.  Her hobbies included walking, reading, volunteering at the Care Center, working crossword puzzles and spoiling her cats, Taffy, Jello and Taffy #2.

As she requested, cremation will be accorded.  To celebrate her life, a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 1, 2017 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel.  Rev. Marty Smith will officiate.  There will be no visitation.

Memorials may be made to the Knox County Humane Society.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.