In Memory Of Betty L. Larkin 8/15/30 – 4/24/11
on April 28th, 2012 at 9:35 pmBetty Lois Larkin was born on August 15th 1930 in Peoria, Illinois.The daughter of Blanche Edith Willis and Robert James Willis. She grew up in Peoria and at an early age began attending dance classes. Even at the age of 80 mom could still remember her dance teachers name, Rose Dentino. Mom was also a very good organ player. She took Piano classes when she was a girl but didn't like it preferring instead the organ she taught herself to play. Mom started working at age 14. She worked in various factories and later became a hostess at the Pier Marquette Hotel. She married Russell Lee Howard and they had three daughters Wendy, Debby, and Jennifer. All of the family were expert carpenters and Betty was no Exception. She and Russell and several family members worked together to build the house they were to live with their three daughters. Russell passed away and Betty married Arthur Vernon Larkin and they moved to Bushnell, Fl. In 2009 Betty was baptized and became a member of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church. During this time she began reading the Bible and Praying. She would sit on the front porch and in the light of the sun would read the Sunday School Lessons over and over again. Mom I miss you.
Betty Willis
Betty Willis in a beauty pageant 2 years old
Betty Willis with the Morning Glories Ballet Dance
Betty in her dance costumes
Robert and Blanche Willis mom’s parents
Mom and her mother Blanche Loesche
Mom and Her Dad Robert Willis
Mom and her grandparents Charles and Margaret Conner in Farmington, Illinois
Mom and her first husband Russell Howard
The house my parents built on Knott Lane in Peoria, Il. Mom worked on it during the day. Sometimes Aunt Laura and Uncle Harry would come over and help. Dad always helped nights and weekends.
Dad and Uncle Harry
Betty Howard and her three daughters Wendy, Jenny, and Debby
Mom and her second husband Arthur Larkin
Mom, Jenny, Debby, Grandma Ingersoll, and Wendy
