- Date Of Birth: January 31, 1926
- Date Of Death: December 13, 2019
- State: Illinois
Betty J. Gansauer of Centralia, Illinois passed away December 13th, 2019 at Cedarhurst Memory Care in Centralia surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 31st, 1926 in Xenia, Illinois, daughter of Harry Henson and Pearl (Hanon) Henson. She married Maurice Gansauer on October 15th, 1947 in Morganfield, Kentucky and he preceded her in death on November 15th, 1991.
Betty is survived by her two sons, Bruce Gansauer and wife Donna of Centralia, Brian Gansauer and wife Sandy of Salem; grandchildren Ryan Gansauer and wife Heather of Owasso, OK; Dustin Gansauer and wife Emily of Centralia; Kyle Gansauer and wife Stephanie of Salem; Kayla Gansauer and special friend Grant Reed of Salem; great grandchildren, Deagan and Dalton Gansauer, Grace Neff and Finley Gansauer, Kinsley Gansauer and Zach; sisters Barbara Francois of Centralia, Suzanne Hausch of Elk Grove Village Illinois, and Pat Hillard of Flora Illinois, brother John Henson and wife Susan of Florida and several nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; step-mother Vesta (Ely) Henson; stepfather Robert Garnier; brother, Jim Henson; sister Mary Parks. Betty graduated from Centralia Township High School in 1943 and was honored to be the Senior Class May Fete attendant. She went to work for Illinois Bell Telephone as an operator after graduating from high school. Upon her marriage, Betty became a military wife and resided in several communities throughout the United States during her husband’s twenty-two year military career.
Upon her husband’s retirement from the military in 1966, Betty and her family returned to Xenia, Illinois, where she was active in her church. She was an accomplished piano and organ player, playing for Sunday services, weddings and funerals. Betty returned to Centralia in 1994 to be closer to her children. She became a member of Grace Fellowship Church and was an active member until her health declined. Betty never meet a stranger and always had a smile for everyone. She enjoyed life and meeting people. Betty was a dedicated wife and mother who loved her family and gave all the praise and glory to her Savior, Jesus Christ.
