Betty Junita Trenter, 94, of Virginia, IL passed away Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, at Walker Nursing Home.

She was born Dec. 11, 1929, on the family farm in rural Virginia, the daughter of Rupert C. and Freda M. Orne Anderson. She married James A. "Jim" Trenter on Dec. 27, 1949, in Virgina and he preceded her in death in 1988.

She is survived by her son, Rickey Lee (Donna D. Darland) Trenter of Virginia; her daughter, Cindy Sue Trenter of Virgina; one grandson, Curtis (Jessica) Engelmann of Edwardsville; one brother, Carlin (Sally M. Prather) Anderson of Farmington, MO; many nieces and nephews, including Todd Anderson, Terry Anderson, and Mark Anderson; her dear friend, Blanch Ohrn of Virginia; and many cousins.

Growing up on the family farm, Betty and her puppy Fanny would sled down the hills in the snow. In the summer, Fanny would sit on the back of Betty's tricycle. Fanny was a very well-trained pup. Betty continued her love for dogs over her lifetime, raising a husky and several cocker spaniels. She grew up in a different time, doing homework by oil lamps and working on the family farm. She would ride in the back of a wagon pulled by a team of horses and as her parents hand harvested their corn, they would toss it in the wagon where Betty was waiting.

She was a 1947 graduate of Virginia High School, and worked at Trenter's Grocery where she met Jim. They worked together until his death in 1988, and she continued working at the store until its closing in 1993. She had also worked at the old Dollar General Store, the Wareco Convenience Store, and the Cass County Convenience Store. She also volunteered with Bread of Love and enjoyed volunteering weekly at Walker Nursing Home. Betty worked hard her entire life until she was unable to do so physically.

Betty had also helped care for Kyle Nolan, beginning when he was a tiny baby, and for several years after and she enjoyed watching him grow up. While at Walker Nursing Home she had special names for some of the staff, including but not limited to Shelly "Jack" Reno and Dora "Little Girl" Budrick.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at the Virginia United Methodist Church. The family will meet friends from 2-4 prior to the service. The family would like to invite friends to join them for a luncheon after the service at the church. Burial will be announced at a later date. Memorials are suggested to PAWS of Jacksonville. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Virginia is assisting the family. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.