Carol Jean (Bettendorf) Thacker-Varner

Carol Thacker Varner passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on April 21, 2025 at 11:00 am at Litchfield Health & Rehabilitation Center.  

She was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandma, aunt, caregiver & friend.  Her devotion to God and her church were beyond compare, a loyal member of St. Timothy United Methodist Church for 72 years.  Carol was also a long time member of The Women of the Moose and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, which she took much pride in.  She worked at St. Francis Hospital for 10 years and then had her own cleaning business until retirement.  

Carol was born to Philip and Laura Bettendorf on June 14, 1931 in Shipman, Illinois.  She graduated from Gillespie High School in 1949.  She married Pat Thacker July 1, 1950 and they were blessed with six children.  He preceded her in death.  She later married Mel Varner who also preceded her in death.  

Carol is survived by one son; Kevin Thacker, three daughters; Phyllis (Jeff) Helfrich, Brenda (Larry) Jones, Ann (David) Morgan, 12 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 10 step great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and 1 sister; Fay Heyen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, 2 sons, 4 sisters, 1 brother, 2 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Services will be held at Litchfield Family Funeral, 700 South State Street, on Friday April 25, 2025, with visitation from 9:00 am till 11:00 am and the service at 11:00 am, officiated by Rev. Dennis Hill.

Burial will follow in Elm Lawn Cemetery, Litchfield, IL .

Memorials may be made to Montgomery County Cancer Society or Wounded Warrior Project PTSD.

Litchfield Family Funeral Service, Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.

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