Betty E. Yard, 87 of Taylorville, passed away at 9:38am on Friday, September 4, 2020 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.  She was born on August 31, 1933 in Taylorville, the daughter of Elias George and Ole Eddith (King) Leinen.  She married Robert E. Yard Sr. on December 31, 1951 in Taylorville and he preceded her in death on January 9, 1997.  Betty retired from Illinois Power in Decatur where she worked for 25 years as an engineering clerk.  She is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the CD of A.  She enjoyed flower gardening and crafts and previously served as a Den Mother for her son’s Cub Scout dens.  Betty loved cooking and entertaining her family for holidays and celebrations.  More than anything she adored her grandchildren and loved spending time with them.  
She is survived by her sons: Robert E Yard Jr. (Yvonne) and Daniel J. Yard both of Taylorville; grandchildren: McKenzie Crowe (Chet), Stevi Davis (Blake), and Jacob Yard (Simone); great grandchildren: Tyler Crowe (Felicia), Mason Crowe, Cayden Crowe, Camden Davis, Lucas Davis, and Finley Davis; one great-great grandchild on-the-way; and nieces: Shirley Williams, Sandy Hobbs, and Jeannie Pilto.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant son: Jeffrey Alan Yard; brothers: Alvie Leinen, Floyd Leinen, and Harold Leinen; and sister: Leona Collebrusco.
A funeral mass for Betty will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville with Monsignor David Lantz officiating.  Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will take place from 5 until 7pm on Tuesday at McClure Funeral Home.  Due to the pandemic, all CDC recommendations will be followed including encouraging of use of masks.  Memorials in Betty’s memory may be left to St. Mary’s School.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memories of Betty, or condolences to her family, may be shared online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.