Betty J. Simler

Betty J. Simler, 94 of rural Freeport passed away peacefully at home with family by her side. She was born January 29, 1932 in Nora to Emery and Emma (Boelk) Elgin. She and Albert Simler were married on November 5, 1950 at First Lutheran Church of Freeport. Together they built a life of love, hard work and a family that they treasured. They were married for 70 years before his passing on February 1, 2021.

Betty was involved with the Stephenson County Farm Bureau, the Van Brocklin Homemakers Extension Unit and the First Lutheran Church of Freeport for many years. She always had a big garden and was very proud of being a farm wife

She is survived by her children, David (Vicki Buehler) Simler of Freeport; Diane (Daylon) Niemann of Warren; Darius (Sherry) Simler of Pearl City; and her daughter-in-law, Linda Simler of Lena.

Her legacy also includes her grandchildren, Steve (Alycia) Simler, Dawn (Todd) Krell, Vicki (Corey) Ifert, Tim (Julie) Niemann, Angela (Tory) Niemann, Lori (Aaron) Hanisko, Brenda (Randall) Westfall, Beth (Michael) Gordon, Brittany Simler, Ross (Chelsey) Simler and granddaughter-in-law, Amelia Simler.

Her great grandchildren are, Nicole (Malcolm) Jefferson, Jeremy (Heather) Simler, Michelle Simler, Logan Krell, Caitlyn (Ryan) Krell, Justin (Karri) Ifert, Matthew Ifert, Ashleigh Ifert, Jason (Aly) Niemann, Alex Niemann, Maya Niemann, Emma (Blake) Bomski, Heidi Westfall, Hewyt Westfall, Lillian Gordon, Case Simler, Charlie Simler and Evelyn Simler.

Betty has 2 great great- grandchildren and they are Carter Jefferson and Wyatt Simler.

She is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Albert; her son, Duane Simler; her grandson, Jered Simler; her great granddaughter, Hannah Westfall and daughter-in-law, Kathy Simler.

There will be a visitation held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 beginning at 10am -12pm at Walker Mortuary – Freeport. The service will begin at 12pm, also at Walker Mortuary. Her final resting place will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens next to Albert.

In Lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name. Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com