In memory of

Betty Marie Roman

Aug 5, 1933
Aug 30, 2022

Obituary

Betty Marie Roman (Foley,Myers) was a loving Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Great Great Grandmother and a rock for her family, has quietly passed on to her glory.

She was born to Doc and Margaret Foley on August 05, 1933. She was not able to finish high school as a result of the passing of both parents when she was 16 years old. She went to work at the Sangamon state house while living with her beloved sister Dorothy Zaffari and her husband Tony. Dorothy was like mother to her, preceding her in death. She had a total of twelve siblings, Charles Foley, Ralph Foley, Dorothy Zafari, Henry Foley, Helen Gibson, Martha Bennidetto, Don Foley, Hazel Brazys, James Foley, Francis Lucas and Mary A Krueger. 

( Surviving: Helen, James, Francis, Mary Anne) 

Betty was married to Donald Eugene Myers sr. in 1952 in Arkansas and divorced in 1978. She remarried to Michael Roman in 1980 and divorced in 1985 and remained single until her death. She is survived by her children Donald E Myers jr., Deborah Lynn Curtis and Denise Anne Knell. She was proceeded in death by her son Gary Allen Myers and her granddaughter Jessica Blair. She has been blessed by 12 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren and recently her first great great grandchild. 

Our mom loved spending time with her children and grandchildren/great grandchildren. Her travels were limited to visiting family in Illinois and four cruises to the Caribbean islands. She worked at the Illinois state house, apartment manager, at Ford motor company where she was a supervisor of a team of 8 employees and finally a Nanny for 20 years with a Jacob and Rachael Grate who she considered as her own grandchildren. 

She received her last rights from a priest supplied by Salem Health hospital on August 29th and passed quietly with her children by her side on August 30, 2022 at 5:38 am. She is now in the loving arms of her lord Jesus Christ. She was 89 years old.

Our beautiful mother is at rest now and even though we miss her very much. We know every time that we see a butterfly that she is with us providing wisdom, to the challenges that we may face. We love our mom more than anyone can ever know. Mom we will see you in the future knowing that you are preparing a place for us. I know that her mom and her beloved Yorkies Riley and JoJo are with her. 

The family will announce a celebration of life in the future 

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Deanna Brazys says:

    Those we held in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever ! To the family: my love and my prayers go out to all those that gracefully touched the soul of my beautiful Aunt Betty. She has found rest. My prayers, love and memories will remain in my heart always! May the memories comfort you! I will remember her beautiful smile and laughter! Sharing in sorrow, Deanna Brazys

  2. Jacob Myers says:

    As I reflect back on so many points in my life with her, my grandma would always encourage me to be me. She would say, “do what You think is best”. This was always before she would convey what she thought was right. Such a great lesson in that!

    I vividly remember her repeating stories to so many about the trouble I would stir up but always provided the story with a smile and a ton of pride - “Oh that little Jacob…”. Yup, her story about me using her backyard rocks as my very own bathroom was pure gold. I can hear her voice acting out my little voice, when she asked what I was doing, I said “I’m just pee’n in the rocks grandma”. She had my back without saying it and that was so special to me.

    She loved her Elvis Presley and sparked my appreciation for him as well. She was the first person that brought me closer to Michael Jackson but forever reminded me, that he was no Elvis. She would say, “Jake, there is only one King in my eyes”. I can hear “If I Can Dream” playing now when I think of her and our chats about her Elvis.

    She always had a point of view that I always wanted to understand. No matter what the climate may have been she could weigh in on what she thought. Something cool about that.

    Also, no matter what, her children came first - above all. I carry this today in my soul. She would die on the vine for his kids even if they were wrong (which they clearly never are ). Regardless she loved them and they adored her. The important part of this to me was simple - stand by their side and fight for your kids. They need their parents. When she would say, “you’re raising amazing children Jacob”, apart of that statement filled my heart with joy because I knew how much her children meant to her.

    My grandmother lived a simple life and never really asked for much from all. When we would ask - “Grandma, do you need anything” it was always, “nothing at all, I have everything I need over here”. I wish she had asked for more, she deserved that love.

    Grandma, I remain grateful for the times shared, the kindness and care provided. I will always love you and how you shaped my heart and passion for the better.

    Please rest easy and always watch over us with pride - because we’re YOUR STORY.

    Love you always - Your Jacob

  3. Rochelle vickers says:

    Grandma you were so sweet and loving I have so many beautiful memories of you and I together ❤️ my heart is hurting for now but I also have peace knowing you are no longer suffering. If you had taught me anything it is to love your family no matter what. That I will always remain in my mind. I love you to the moon and back forever! Love you so much shell

  4. Deborah says:

    Mom besides being my Mom you are my best friend. I will miss you so much and love you bundles. I know you will be watching over me everyday because that is kind of wonderful and caring Mom you are. My Mom would give to her kids before she would do for herself. I already know you will keep us safe. Just remember Momma you are my angel and going miss you so much and love you more than anything on this world. I will cherish all the memories we had together with alot of tears and one big smile on my face saying that is my Momma. I will see you soon Momma til then I love you to the Moon and back. Deborah

  5. Don Myers says:

    Mom you are my best friend and I love you to the moon and back. I know you are with the Lord Jesus and your mom and many other family members. I know that you were granted your wings upon arrival because you were already a angel in the lords eyes. I know I will cry many times as the days go by. But many of those tears will be from joy in thinking of the great memories that you gave me. The memories of joy could fill the entire earth. Thank you Mommy I love you and I will never forget to watch for your signs of visiting. I know you are preparing a place for your children as we arrive with you. Mom scratch Riley’s head for me. Always mom

    Donnie

  6. Frances Lucas says:

    Betty was my sweet, wonderful sister. We were separated at my parents passing, but she and my sister Helen would always buy us clothes and spend as much time as they could with my younger sister Mary Ann and I. She will be forever loved and missed. But I know she rests easy in our Lords arms. Wait for us Betty. Until we meet again.

  7. Greg Smith says:

    Some of my fondest memories are of staying at Betty's house when I was little. She was like a second mom to me. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

  8. Sandy & Larry Myers says:

    Betty was like a sister to me! In my younger days I went fishing went to the 66 drive-inn and spent a lot of time at Betty & Don’s house on Capitol ave in Springfield ! Betty spent a lot of time watching over me when I was in a body cast and My Mom would have to go shopping! Later in life when I married Sandy we would visit her and Don in California and she made us Chilli and taco’s! She was a wonderful Sister-In Law! Love you Betty !

  9. Nancy Hanson says:

    Betty lived a long & amazing life. I know she will be forever missed by her family & many friends. May you rejoice in your mothers loving arms… there is no love greater then a mothers love for her children

  10. Staff of Johnson Funeral Home says:

    Thank you for trusting Johnson Funeral Home.

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