Betty Jane Reid

Betty Jane Reid, 88, of Springfield, died at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, November 28, 2013 at St. John's Hospital. Betty was born August 13, 1925 in Springfield, the daughter of John W. and Saleta M. Page Franklin. She married Joseph A. Reid on November 6, 1948 in Springfield; he preceded her in death. Betty was a 1943 graduate of Lanphier High School and attended Milliken University, studying music. She was a co-administrator for Wheaton Nursing Home in Maryland and later worked and retired from the Illinois Department of Mental Health. Betty was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church. She was blessed with a beautiful soprano singing voice and prior to her marriage and family she performed as a soloist at many special events, including functions at the Governor's Mansion, local radio programs, and the Third Presbyterian Church, where she was a member. During WWII, she was a cover girl for Sangamo Electric Company. Betty also took pride in her family and enjoyed gardening and traveling and was a wonderful cook. She was also preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Florence Franklin; one half-brother, Eugene Burris; one half-sister, Myrtle Smith; and one step-sister, Jacqueline McCorkle. She is survived by her children, Monica "Mona" Reid (husband, Joseph) Spence of Rockville, MD, Jane A. (husband, Greg) Field of Springfield, Joseph Franklin Reid of Los Angeles, CA, and Diane M. Chew of Springfield; seven grandchildren, Daniel (wife, Amanda) Field, Rebecca (husband, Ryan) Bailey, Drew Spence, Joseph Chew, Jeffrey (wife, Sandra) Chew, Allison Chew, and Holly Spence; one great-granddaughter, Madelyn Field; four sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2013 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, with Rev. Robert J. Jallas celebrant. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. John's Hospital Hospice Program, 800 East Carpenter, Springfield, IL 62702 or The John and Elizabeth Reid Family Memorial Scholarship benefiting a current student of Sacred Heart Griffin High School, Advancement Office, 1200 W. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62702.