Bettnia Jane Dunaway (96) of Cowden

Bettnia Jane Dunaway, 96, of Cowden, IL, died at 1:20 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2016 in the Lutheran Care Center in Altamont, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 5 in the Cowden Free Methodist Church, Cowden, IL with Rev. Steve Neville and Rev. Barry Long officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday in the church. Burial will be in Mound Cemetery, Cowden, IL. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to the Cowden Free Methodist Church or The Gideons International.

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Bettnia was born May 8, 1919 in Cowden, IL, the daughter of Lloyd E. “Jack” and Pauline E. Fowler McConnell. She graduated from Cowden High School. Bettnia married Carroll C. “Bud” Dunaway on December 20, 1941, and served as a homemaker and a member of the Cowden Free Methodist Church where she was treasurer for 40 years. She was also active as a song leader, Sunday school teacher, delegate to conference, and class leader. She had a desire to serve and care for others, whether it was through her delicious cooking, skillful sewing or faithful praying.

She is survived by her children, Keith Dunaway and wife Darleene of Cowden, IL, Jane Toothman and husband Ken of Decatur, IL, and Mac Dunaway and wife Judy of Decatur, IL; six grandchildren, Kyle Dunaway, Karla (Scott) Henke, Kari (Jason) Hayman, Tammy (Chad) Kimberley, Kim (Josh) Johnson, and Amy (Michael) Plinsky; and 15 great grandchildren. She also leaves behind many special friends at Cowden Free Methodist Church and Lutheran Care Center.

Bettnia was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bud Dunaway on June 22, 2006; and one grandson, Kent Toothman.

Bettnia’s family wishes to express deep gratitude to all of those involved with her care at Lutheran Care Center and Dr. John Opilka. She lived a full life based on the belief of John 3:16 and requests others to read and remember the promise of that verse.