Bette Jo Raber

Bette Jo Raber, 85, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2016, at Oakview Continuous Care in Mt. Carmel. 

            Jo was born Wednesday, September 3, 1930, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, the daughter of the late C.W. and Jennie (Malone) Follis.  Mrs. Raber graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1948.  She was employed by Security Bank and Trust Company. 

           On December 6, 1950, she married George Raber at the First Baptist Church in Mt. Carmel.  Immediately following their marriage, George was deployed to Korea.  One year later they were reunited at the Princeton Train Depot. 

           Jo was a lifelong faithful member of First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and sang in the church choir.  As a Sunday School teacher she nurtured many generations of young women. 

           Her passions included spending time with her family and being a devoted homemaker.  She was much loved for her blue ribbon pies and warm southern hospitality.  Bette Jo exemplified commitment to her family and friends, and was affectionately known as “Mimi.”  She touched countless lives in so many ways.

            Left to cherish her memories is her beloved husband of 65 years, George Raber; daughter, Nancy Raber; granddaughter, Westley and husband Barak Berman; great-grandson, Adler Berman; nieces and nephew, Jansen Currens, Mandy Bogacz and Corissa Bridges.

            Preceding her in death is her parents, a sister, Katherine (Follis) Porter, and niece, Jan Porter. 

            Family and friends may call Thursday, July 14, 2016, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Short Funeral Home, 527 N. Mulberry Street, Mt. Carmel, Illinois. 

            The funeral services will be held Friday, July 15, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Short Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Mullinax officiating.  Burial will take place at Highland Memorial Cemetery immediately following the service. 

            Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the First Baptist Church Food Pantry.  Envelopes will be available at Short Funeral Home.

            The family would like to graciously thank Oakview Heights and Celtic Hospice for their continuous care and support.

            Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

            Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Jo’s family.

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