Betty M Tenhouse

Betty Mae Tenhouse, 96, of Quincy, died on September 2, 2026, at Good Shepherd Home in Golden, IL.

Born January 6, 1930, in Quincy, Betty was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Gertrude Erke. She married the love of her life, Harold Tenhouse, on September 3, 1949, at Zion United Church of Christ in Ursa, IL. Together, Betty and Harold shared 73 years of marriage. Harold passed away in 2023.

Betty lived a life defined by generosity, faith, and love for family. After losing her mother at the age of eight, Betty was raised on a farm by her father and grandmother. She was a devoted wife who enjoyed accompanying Harold to tractor pulls, proudly cheering him on as he drove his beloved "Yellow Bird."

A lifetime active member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, Betty faithfully served her church as an organist for many years and was a member of the Women’s Society. Betty was widely known for her cooking and baking, especially her coconut cream pies. A talented seamstress and quilter, Betty created beautiful quilts and handmade clothes for her grandkids and their dolls.

Her greatest joy came from her family. She especially loved attending her grandchildren's activities, including cheering them on at Central High School sporting events and celebrating their many accomplishments. In her later years, she found joy in playing bunco and bingo with friends at Curtis Creek Senior Living.

Surviving is her son, Alan Tenhouse and his wife Connie of Fowler; her grandchildren, Amy Tenhouse (Marc Nguyen) of Arlington, VA; Trisha Rettke (Rick) of Quincy; and Ross Tenhouse (Amanda) of Fowler; and great grandchildren: Lainee Rettke Arnold (Caleb) of Riverview, FL, Maylee Tenhouse, Jenson Nguyen, and Reese and Luke Rettke; and great-great grandson, Callum Arnold; her deceased daughter's long-time companion, Don "Harry" Swank of Carthage, IL.; her sister, Naomi Austin of Quincy; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; daughter, Donna Rae Tenhouse Grim; brother, Robert “Bob” Erke; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Erke, Mildred Leslie, and Bonnie Tenhouse; and brothers-in-law, Richard Austin, William Leslie, and Robert Tenhouse.

Memorial services will be conducted at 10 am on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in rural Liberty by Pastor Lois Sorrill. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in rural Liberty.

Visitation will be held from 9 am until the time of the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church or Blessing Hospice.

Online condolences may be left at www.hamiltonfuneralhomes.net.

The Lummis Hamilton Funeral Home in Camp Point is handling the arrangements.