Elizabeth "Betty" C. Garey

Elizabeth “Betty” C. Garey, 90, of Harvard, IL passed away peacefully at her home on June 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Betty was born on October 5, 1935, in Bonus, IL, to Chester and Goldie (Meade) Camp. She graduated from Harvard High School in 1953. Betty lived on the family farm in Harvard until she married Gene M. Garey on January 21, 1956, in Harvard, IL.

Betty worked various part-time jobs over the years including: secretary at the Harvard Moose Lodge, Teller at The Harvard State Bank, Receptionist at Dr. F. J. Quincannon’s, and retiring as an Associate at the old Walmart store in Harvard. She loved her community and seeing so many people throughout her days. After retiring, she volunteered at the Harvard Food Pantry and tended to the flowers at the Harvard Care Center. Betty was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Harvard and a member of the United Presbyterian Women, Circle IV.

Betty loved her family, home and nature. She was so proud of the garden and flowers she kept. She also enjoyed golfing and was in a women’s golf league at Plum Tree in Harvard for 20+ years. She chose to live simply, but her life was full in so many ways.

She and Gene enjoyed traveling, making many trips to the Northwoods of Wisconsin, Washington D.C., the Northeast and the Canadian Rockies. She also made many trips with her daughters.

Betty is survived by her children - Barbara Peterson of Rockton, IL, Janet Garey of Cambridge, WI, and Nancy (David) Weaver of Fort Atkinson, WI; grandchildren, Valerie Peterson (Rudy Herceg) of Fairfax, VA, Michael (Molly) Peterson of The Plains, VA, Kyle Weaver (Larissa Derr) of McFarland, WI, and Sarah (Josh) Kline of Whitewater, WI; adoring great grandchildren Maya Herceg, Alden and Zavier Peterson, Emmett and Hadley Kline; loving sister Lorraine Camp Carbonetti of Harvard, IL; cousins as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Gene, her parents and two siblings, Robert C. Camp and William E. Camp.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Mercy Health Care System, Mercyhealth Hospice and caregiver Sarah Miti for their dedicated and compassionate care during her final days.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Harvard, IL or Mercyhealth Hospice, Rockford, IL.

Services will be private.

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