Betty Mae Cooley, age 80, of Stronghurst, IL, passed away at 4:30 a.m. Sunday May 27, 2018 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst. She was born July 26, 1937 in Bicknell, IN, the daughter of Marvin and Mattie Gibbs Abernathy. On February 21, 1976, she married Marion Cooley in LaSalle County, IL. He preceded her in death on September 14, 2008.

Betty worked as a waitress, bartender, and secretary for many years. More recently, she was a Activity Aide for Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab.

Survivors include two step children, three brothers, Paul Abernathy, Sammy Abernathy, and Ormond Perry, two sisters, Mary Ashemore and Nancy Hudson, four grandchildren and several great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, one daughter, Cynthia Kay Lawyer, and two brothers, Otto and Marvin Abernathy.

As per Betty's wishes, no local services are planned. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 8, 2018 in the Rose Lawn Mound Cemetery in Charleston, IL. Memorials to Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab may sent in care of Banks & Beals Funeral Home, P.O. Box 299, Stronghurst, IL, 61480. Please visit banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.