BETTY ESSELMAN

PERRYVILLE -- Betty Jean Esselman, 73, of Perryville died Monday, March 22, 1999, in Perryville.

She was born June 29, 1925, in Collinsville, Ill., daughter of David and Hattie Kourank Mayer. She and Merlin Patrick "Joe" Esselman were married Oct. 20, 1945. He died Aug. 28, 1995.

Esselman retired as a machinist at Carter Carburetor in St. Louis.

Survivors include two sons, Merlin Esselman of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Scott Esselman of Perryville; three daughters, Sandra Vigna of Belleville, Ill., Margo Bova of Caseyville, Ill., Roxann Allen of Perryville; a brother, Bill Mayer of Mt. Olive, Ill.; two sisters, Carol Stewart and Bernice Halstead of Fairview Heights, Ill.; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a sister and a brother.

Friends may call at Young and Sons Funeral Home from 4-9 p.m. today, and Thursday after 6:30 a.m.

Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The Rev. Rich Lause will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery.