Betty L. Ross

   Betty Lou Ross, 79, of Davenport, IA formerly of Streator, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at the Kahl Home in Davenport, IA. 

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home, Streator.  Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Rev. William Callister officiating.  Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Streator.  Pallbearers will be Alan Ross, David Sheets, Max Sheets, Rick Hanson, Scott Ingold, and Mark Riggins.   

   Betty was born March 8, 1944 in Streator, the daughter of William and Pearl (Carpenter) Gee.  She was raised in Streator and was a graduate of Streator High School. She married Richard Lee Ross on March 16, 1963 in Streator.

   Betty had a lifelong love of music.  She was a gifted musician, excelling as a pianist, clarinetist, and vocalist.  Some of her favorite memories were singing “with the guys” in the tenor/baritone section of the St. Paul’s Choir.  Betty loved gardening and enjoyed her snap dragons and vegetable garden. She was also an avid baker from fruit cake and Christmas cutout sugar cookies to her “famous” oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (later known as “Grandma Cookies”).

   Betty enjoyed her travels to California, Chicago, Colorado, Iowa, and Wyoming.  She was a dedicated fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.  She enjoyed Indy Car racing and on numerous occasions attended the Indianapolis 500 with close friends. Betty would decorate her home for every season and loved the holidays.  Her favorites were Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.  In the summer of 1976, she was “Betsy Ross”, sewing the American Flag on the Streator National Bank float for the Bicentennial parades in numerous towns.

   She had been a member of the Primitive United Methodist church before becoming a member at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.  She was an active member of St. Paul’s, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and served as Church Council Treasurer for 8 years. Betty worked for Streator National Bank which later became First Midwest Bank.  She worked as a Bookkeeper, Teller, Personal Banker, Director of Human Resources, and Vice President over a 25-year career until her retirement. In 2016, Betty and Richard moved to Davenport, IA.

   Betty was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  Her smile would light up any room and she would always take a moment to chat, listen, and lend a helping hand.  She touched many lives and for that we are richly blessed.  She is survived by her husband, Richard; a son, Alan Ross of Riverton, Wyoming; a daughter, Julie (David) Sheets of Davenport, IA; two grandchildren, Max and Anna Sheets of Davenport, IA; and a brother Ed (Jane) Gee of Sterling, IL. 

   She was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl and William Gee; and a brother, Ralph Gee.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.