Bloomington - Betty Joan “Nip” Baumgardner was born on October 28, 1935, a daughter of George H. and Amy (Goodin) Baumgardner. She was the youngest of 10 Baumgardner children: Edna, Marie, Raymond, Carl, Hazel Helen, Martha, Shirley, Wilma, and Pat. Her parents and all of her brothers and sisters preceded her in death along with several nieces and nephews. One nephew, Walter “Junior” Atherton was only 5 years older than Nip.

Nip is survived by her life-long friend and companion, Diana Chiles; nephews, William Steakley, Bradley (Chloe) Steakley, Michael Morris, Mark (Kim) Baumgardner, and Kevin (Gretchen) Baumgardner; nieces, MaryLynn (Greg) Dodgson, Margaret (Ed) Kushner, Amy Jo Royer, Amy (Ed) Parrot, and Tammy Rosinski; great nephews and nieces, Danny (Bev) Atherton, Donnie Atherton, Kris Steakley, Amy (P.J.) Eichhorn and many others. Nip was a grand aunt to the fourth grade, and had around 100 cousins.

Nip’s services will be on Friday, March 22, 2024, in Maruis Chapel at Second Presbyterian Church, 303 East Street, Bloomington, IL. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. and a Celebration of Life Service will follow starting at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Trey Haddon will be officiating. Military honors will be accorded at the end of the service. Kibler Brady Ruestman Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any children’s hospital or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Nip lived a wonderful life. She grew up in San Jose, IL., in a household full of young people. She attended San Jose elementary and high schools where she was salutatorian of her graduating class and received the D.A.R. Award. She enjoyed being in and attending plays and musicals.

Growing up, Nip worked whatever she could: delivering newspapers on her bicycle, detasseling corn – sometimes driving the tractor, and working in her sister’s restaurant.

After high school, Nip attended what was then Illinois State Normal University from 1953 – 1957, majoring in Physical Education, Health, Recreation, and Divers’ Education with a focus on teaching physical education. She later completed her Masters Degree in Physical Education at the University of Illinois, Champaign, IL. She also completed seventeen hours of education beyond her Masters Degree at University of Illinois.

Upon graduating from ISNU, she took a job teaching physical education at Dwight High School, Dwight, IL., from 1957-1959. Though she appreciated the supportive administration and community and loved the students, several of whom became dear friends later in life, she wanted a new experience before she “settled down”. She convinced two friends they would love the Navy. They enlisted in 1959 and were off to Officer Candidate School.

Upon graduating from OCS, ranking fifth in her class, Nip was assigned to the Pentagon, working in top-secret communications, reporting daily to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. After two years, she had the opportunity to return to Bloomington High School where she had done her student teaching. Her Admiral, Arleigh Burke, reluctantly agreed to release her early if she agreed to serve five years in the Navy Reserve, which she did.

Nip took a physical education teaching job at Bloomington High School, Bloomington, IL., in 1961 and retired 30 years later. Nip was a born teacher who loved teaching and had inventive ideas. During her tenure at BHS, she expanded a senior leadership program and developed a body mechanics program, which allowed students an opportunity to develop individualized programs and proceed toward their goal at their own pace.

Midway through her teaching career, Nip and two teacher friends decided to try their hands at retail while keeping their teaching jobs. They opened “Classics Unlimited,” a women’s clothing store specializing in large sizes. Though the store was a success, after 10 years they decided it was too much to do both and closed the store to finish their teaching careers.

Upon her retirement in 1991, a huge retirement party was held. The roasting by fellow physical educators, family, and friends was countered by Nip’s spontaneous and quick-witted responses. A good time was had by all, many of whom still talk about it!

Nip had many varied interests. She liked to travel, visiting most of the U.S. by car, she didn’t like to fly. She enjoyed reading, socializing with family and friends, playing cards and video poker, bowling, fishing, and playing golf. Golf was her passion. She belonged to the Highland Park Women’s 18 Hole golf League for approximately 50 years, through them winning numerous trophies and awards. She was known for her putting skills. She also belonged to Crestwicke Country Club where she played golf for 10 years. Nip loved Las Vegas, NV., spending 29 winters in her condo entertaining family and friends. She especially liked that she could play golf most of the winter!

Nip had always been interested in writing. Immediately after her retirement, she began writing Silent Connection and Deadly Quiet. Several years later, they were published with the help of a friend, Mary Waters.

Betty J. Baumgardner was one of a kind. She was a warm, loving, funny person who was always concerned about doing the right thing the right way. Sometimes she was adamant about what the right way was! She added joy to the lives of her family, friends, and students. She will be missed by all who knew her.