Betty Lou Emmons

In deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Lou Emmons, a remarkable woman who made the world a more beautiful place for 97 years. She left us on Nov 6, 2023, two days before her 98th birthday, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and dozens of beautiful gardens. Born Betty Lou Nightwine in Kansas on November 8, 1925, Lou spent her early years in Junction City, home of Fort Riley Army Training Base, where she met and fell in love with a handsome young Lieutenant named Philip. Soon after they were married, Phil was shipped off to the EU theater and Lou took care of their first son Mark while finishing her BA degree at Michigan State. After the war, Lou and Phil moved to Illinois to work and raise their family. Lou was an early adopter of recycling and environmental causes and spent her life embracing the beauty of the natural world. Lou was also committed to the physical and mental benefits of yoga and a voracious reader of autobiographies and mystery novels. Prior to retirement, Phil and Lou built a custom solar home on an empty lot and proceeded to transform it into their own personal botanical/flower gardens. In the process, Lou became a Master Gardner and started a company called Blossom Bend, selling perennials and floral crafts. Her gardening passion kept her busy and exposed her to wonderful lasting friendships. She planned and maintained a perennial garden at Richmond’s Nippersink Library and contributed several trees to enhance the beauty her city of Richmond and surrounding McHenry County. She is survived by three of her four children; Mark, Doug (Rebecca) and Joyce (Dave) Armington, son-in-law Herb, five grandchildren; Elisabeth (Ben) Alderman, Greg (Christina) Calhoun, Matt (Elise) Calhoun, Jason Emmons and Jamie Emmons as well as six great-grandchildren; Lena, Philip, Tab, Juniper, George and Victoria. Lou is preceded in death by her beloved daughter Vicki and husband Phil. The family is especially grateful to the local friends and neighbors who were so loving and caring to her throughout the years. A memorial service to honor her life will be held soon. Lou requested that any donations be made to Environmental Defenders of McHenry, The Land Conservancy or WFMT Radio. Her family and large circle of friends will miss her dearly. Our loving memory of her will never fade.

Betty Lou Emmons

November 8, 1925 - November 6, 2023