Betty Irene Talkington

Betty was born on February 29, 1944, in Jerseyville, IL, the daughter of Randall and Edna (Williams) Whitlock. She married Raymond Talkington on September 8, 1961.

Betty grew up on the family farmhouse that, in later years, was torn down to reveal it was a log cabin. She attended a single room schoolhouse and then went to Key West Community College where she was on the President’s List. Being a military wife, Betty lived on many different bases in the U.S. One thing she was so proud of was having the opportunity to go to parties with Elvis Presley when he was dating Priscilla in the 1960s. She was the first full time female rural route carrier for Central Illinois and was the President of the Rural Route Carrier Union. Betty loved her route families as her own and used it as her ministry. She was also the president and CEO of three different financial corporations in multiple locations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Randy Whitlock.

Betty is survived by her husband of 61 years, Raymond Talkington of Springfield; sons, Kevin “Flynt” (Amy) Talkington of Rochester, and Dr. Daymond (Cindy) Talkington of Godfrey, IL; grandchildren, Kaylee (Josh) of Irving, TX, Alexis Talkington of Rochester, Stacey Solano of Pompano Beach, FL, and Alicia Neposchlan of Chatham; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Amber (Bert) Hagen, and Vanessa (Johnny) Santini; and her beloved yorkie, Buddy.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial Gathering & Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield. A Memorial Ceremony will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Dr. Daymond Talkington officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation, c/o The Marfan Foundation, 22 Manhasset Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050.