Betty, 90, a former resident of Chillicothe for 85 years, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Country Health Care & Rehab in Gifford, Illinois. 

Betty was born on February 27, 1935, in Chillicothe to Bessie McFarland and Asher Arnold. She eloped to marry Herbert C. Newman on September 4, 1954, in Clay County, Arkansas; he preceded her in death on July 4, 2000.

Surviving are two daughters, Linda (Randy) Laugges of Champaign, Illinois, and Laurie (Mike) Boelter of Eagle River, Alaska; four grandchildren, Louis, Adam, Sarah, and Michelle; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Newman of Lacon, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant son, three brothers, and sisters-in-law.

Betty loved her role as a school secretary for Illinois Valley Central Unit School District 321, where she greeted many in the office and worked for 32 years. She was also a lifelong member of Chillicothe First United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school, served on various committees, and helped with annual fundraising events; she also enjoyed her time spent in the pool or at coffee and senior meals at Pearce Community Center. 

Family and friends meant everything to Betty; she remained mentally sharp and asked about the lives of family members and friends up until the very end. She also enjoyed crafting, camping, gambling, and playing card and board games (especially Scrabble and Yahtzee).

A funeral service was held for Betty on Monday, September 29, 2025 at Chillicothe First United Methodist Church; with an opportunity to meet and greet family members and friends an hour before the service. 

Memorials may be made in Betty’s memory to her church or to Pearce Community Center. The family would like to thank the terrific medical and staff members at both Evergreen Place Assisted Living and Country Health for the wonderful care they provided to Betty over the past five years.