Betty Mae (McIntire) Finch

BETTY FINCH

JERSEYVILLE - Betty Mae Finch, 84, died peacefully at 7:10 p.m., Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Evercare of Calhoun.

She was born September 12, 1941, in Moweaqua, Illinois, the daughter of Floyd Arthur McIntire and Nora Catherine (Armstrong) McIntire. Betty was raised in Jersey County, where she remained throughout her life, deeply connected to the community she called home. She was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Arthur and Mary (Goewey) McIntire, whose influence helped shape the strong, compassionate woman she became.

The oldest of eighteen children, Betty learned responsibility and care for others at an early age. She attended Silas Hamilton Primary School in Otterville and graduated with the Class of 1959 from Jersey Community High School. Later in life, she was blessed to reconnect with her second mother, Dollie (Miller) McIntire, a relationship that brought her comfort and joy.

On July 2, 1962, Betty married Forrest Finch, Sr. at the Grafton Methodist Church. Together, they were the parents of five children, and Betty devoted her life to loving and raising her family. Her home was always open, and she was known throughout the Grafton area for caring for and babysitting many children over the years. To countless families, she was a steady presence, a safe place, and someone who loved without hesitation.

In 1994, Betty began working at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Alton, where she was employed as a Linen Aide. During her years there, she formed lasting friendships and meaningful connections that continued well beyond her retirement.

Raised in the Methodist faith, Betty lived her life guided by both her faith and her family. Each shaped the other, and together they directed the way she loved, served, and cared for those around her. She attended both the Grafton and Jerseyville Methodist Churches during her lifetime, each holding a special place in her heart and providing a sense of belonging, purpose, and community that sustained her through every season of life.

Betty enjoyed a good yard sale and took pride in finding the best bargain. Later in life, after entering the nursing home, she discovered a love for BINGO, which in her own way reminded her of yard sales, always watching closely and hoping to come away with the best prize.

She is survived by her five children and their spouses, Jeannine and Mark Turner of Kane, Jennifer and Rick Carlson of Brighton, Forrest and Julie Finch, Jr. of Alton, Janelle and Terry Stock of East Alton and Craig and Amy Finch of Kampsville; thirteen grandchildren, Nicholas (Kayla) Turner, Megan (Alex) Cronin, Cody Carlson, Brock Carlson, Ronald (Angie) Ward, William (Ashley) Ward, Brittany Ward (Taylor Mahan), Michael Finch (Brittany Richards), Brandon (Kaitlyn) Fraley, Kamryn Kizer, Ivy Finch, Joshua Geil and Samantha (Robert)Grodzicki; fourteen great-grandchildren, Logan and Ainsley Turner, Alice and Mark Cronin, Mateo Carlson, Grayson Ward, Ellie Ward, Bella Ward, Jackson Finch, Bella Finch, Cora Fraley, Avery Fraley, Harper Grodzicki and Teddy Grodzicki; twelve siblings, Virginia Ward, Mary Jane Johnson, Raymond (Kandy) McIntire, Bessie Walker, Ron “Rip” Campbell, Don Campbell, Pearl (Terry) Fester, Dollie (John) Klaas, Patricia (Joe) Van Walleghen, Joan McIntire, Barbara (John) Wiley and Lloyd (Denise) McIntire; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, grandparents and second mother, she was preceded in death by her sisters, June Hays, Ruby Feldmann, Janet McIntire, Carol Hallett and Sandra Compton.

Memorial visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until time of memorial service at 7 p.m., Monday, January 19, 2026, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be given to the Evercare of Calhoun BINGO Fund, Grafton Methodist Church or Jerseyville Methodist Church.

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com

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