Elizabeth Joy “Betty” Snipes, 93, formerly of Freeport, IL, passed away on June 4, 2018 at Amberwood Care Center in Rockford, IL, after a long battle with dementia. She was born in Milford, NE, but grew up in northwestern Kansas during the dust bowl and great depression. Betty graduated from Decatur County High School, in Oberlin, Ks, in 1942. She began a long teaching career with a temporary teaching certificate during WWII. On July 4, 1945, Betty married Boyce Bickett in McCook, NE. From this union, 3 daughters were born: Janet Elaine, Ruth Alice, and Jean Ann. Subsequently, six granddaughters, and one grandson as well. Boyce passed away in 1980. Betty married Roy Edward Snipes on May 14, 1983, in North Platte, NE. Insurance positions for Ed moved them east to Omaha, NE, and then to Freeport, IL. In the mid 1980’s, Betty worked as a realtor and secretary at Faith Methodist Church in Freeport.
Betty is survived by her 2 daughters, Ruth (Stuart) Wright of Greeley, CO, and Jean (Jim) Root of St. Joseph, MO; several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Boyce Bickett, Roy Edward Snipes, her daughter, Janet Land, as well as her parents, and brother, Eldon Huntley.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 9, 2018 at First Church of the Open Bible, 3800 W. Stephenson St Rd, Freeport, IL with Dr. Burliss Parker officiating. A visitation will be from 9:00 a.m., until the time of service. Entombment will be at the Oakland Cemetery Mausoleum. To share a condolence or memory, please visit www.Advantagefunerals.com.
