Betty S. McClurg, 95, of Urbana, passed away at 9:20 p.m., Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Presence Covenant Medical Center. A visitation will be held Monday, January 9, 2017 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana from 12:30-1:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Steve Anderson officiating. Burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Urbana. Military rites will be accorded by the Urbana American Legion Post 71.

Betty was born October 7, 1921 on a farm in Jefferson Township, Iowa to parents Everett and Mildred (Kaiser) Sanders. She married the love of her life, Theodore "Ted" McClurg, August 24, 1945 in Clinton, Iowa. He preceded her in death April 2, 1992. Betty is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Felts Olmsted (David), of Urbana, grandchildren, Shannon McClurg, of Effingham, and Duane McClurg (Ashley), of Rineyville, Kentucky, two great grandchildren, and daughter-in-law Jane McClurg. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and son, Ernest McClurg, and sister, Gladys Sloan (Clare) of Brandon, IA.

After graduating from Brandon Consolidated High School in Iowa, Betty attended St. Luke's School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa where she became a registered nurse. Betty was a practical and stoic woman- two characteristics that served her well in the United States Nursing Corps, where she served during World War II. After becoming a 2nd Lieutenant, she was honorably discharged. With her medical skills, she quickly settled into her civilian career as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital and later for Dr. R.A. Atkins. One of Betty's great joys in life was healing others; she reveled in her nursing career. Betty was a natural leader, and exhibited this as she was a past president of the Urbana American Legion Post 71 Auxiliary.

Betty and her husband attended the First United Methodist Church of Urbana for many years. After her husband's passing, Betty continued to attend FUMC of Urbana, and occasionally attended Grace united Methodist Church in Urbana to "get recharged." In Betty's own words: "I tried to practice my religion in my daily contacts with my patients."

During her retirement years, Betty stayed busy with many hobbies. She was a prolific quilter. Many of her loved ones still cherish the quilts she stitched as gifts. She was also a talented writer and completed three semesters at Parkland College, where she honed her creative writing skills. She wrote many poems and short stories. She also travelled extensively- to Ireland, Britain, Germany, and other countries. One of her favorite trips was not taken abroad, but down the Mississippi River on a cruise with her family.

Betty lived a full, happy life and always insisted that her loved ones should celebrate a life well lived. She served others throughout her long life and will be remembered as a strong, independent role model with an unwavering, warm heart. She was a pillar of strength for her children and offered her absolute unconditional love and support.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Urbana American Legion Post 71.