Betty Jean Aldrich

Betty Jean Aldrich of Olney, and former longtime resident of Sumner, passed away July 21, 2014, after a lengthy illness. She was 89. Betty was born in Olney on November 12, 1924 to Vurner Kirby and Clara (Bowlby) Kirby. On August 16, 1941, she married Harold Wayne Aldrich. They had one daughter and three sons-all of whom survive: Angela Seals of Mt. Carmel, Larry and wife Nina (Fletcher) Aldrich of Effingham, James and wife Marilyn (Shidler) Aldrich, of Freeburg, and Kelly and wife Jeanie (Funk) Aldrich of Sumner. She was a devoted wife and mother who also helped immensely in Harold's work: In 1949, they started "Claremont Produce"-buying and selling eggs, cream, chickens, wool, cow hides and a variety of feed. They had locations in Claremont and Sailor Springs, as well as Sumner. In 1955, they consolidated the business in Sumner-and moved there from Claremont-continuing the business until 1978. In 1963, they also began farming-west of Sumner on the old "Wilhelm" place, and then near Red Hill on the old "Stovall" place. Son Kelly purchased the family farm in 1978 and carried on the farming business. In addition to raising four children, Betty did all of the bookwork for the businesses, handled the testing of the cream, delivered eggs to customers and ran a variety of errands. Somehow, she found time to become a superb bowler as well. She was indeed a hardworking woman, intensely devoted to her family. Her parents, husband Harold, one sister (Dorothy) and two grandchildren (Bobby and John Wayne) preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister Lola Marie Rohr of Newton, her four children, seven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be conducted at 1:30 PM Friday, July 25, 2014, at Elmwood Cemetery in Flora-where she will be buried next to her dad. Memorials may be made to Cystic Fibrosis. Sivert-Macey & Steffey Funeral Home in Sumner is handling the arrangements.