Betty Jean Pyevich

Betty Jean Pyevich, 89, of Moline, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, after a 2-year fight with liver cancer, surrounded by her loved ones at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Salem Lutheran Church, Moline. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Interment will be at Moline Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Salem Lutheran Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or to Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.

Betty was born on April 23, 1936, in Moline, IL, the daughter of Clarence and Ebba Reynolds. She graduated from Moline High School in 1953 and worked as an administrative assistant at Deere & Company until becoming COO of the Pyevich family. Later, she worked as the beloved lunch cashier in the Silvis school district for more than 20 years.

Betty was set up on a blind date with Mike Pyevich in 1960. She happened to be home the third time he called for a second date, and the rest was history. They married on April 29, 1961, stopping traffic when the Serbian dancing outside the church spilled into the street. Mike and Betty were able to celebrate their 64th wedding anniversary together, a few days before she passed.

Betty was a lifelong member of the Salem Lutheran Church in Moline where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. She was a fantastic mom and grandmother “Baba”, and she found joy in baking, crocheting, sewing, knitting, and making sure that everyone around her was taken care of. She volunteered for many years, baking regularly for her church and local nursing homes. Betty loved entertaining, she always had coffee and baked goods ready for visitors. Her kindness and generosity earned her the nickname of “Sweet Bet”. She was a devoted daughter and sister, a loving wife, the best mother and grandmother, and a faithful friend. She loved her people fiercely and if she considered you a friend, you were a lucky person indeed.

Survivors include her husband, Mike; children, Pam (Tony) Duncan and Dr. Michael (Dr. Vickie) Pyevich; grandchildren, Mitchell Duncan, Jonathan Duncan, Nicholas Duncan, Michael Pyevich, Dena Pyevich; sisters, Barbara Kirkhus and Bonnie Casper; as well as many nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Clarissa Cook does a fantastic job of taking care of a loved one – to the staff of Clarissa Cook, know that you make a very difficult time much easier for a struggling family with your nurturing compassion. We’d also like to thank Dr. Porubcin and Dr. Wardlow, as well as her sister Bonnie who tirelessly cared for Betty throughout her illness.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.