Grandma always greeted me with “hi ky!” a kind smile, and a heartwarming hug. Through everything she has endured never once did that change, her strength and spirit is truly something I will always remember about her. I can recall many stories of hers that she would tell us. One that explains grandma the best to me is the time she had major dental surgery, in the middle of winter, walking home in the freezing cold right after surgery, to having a wonderful steak dinner all in the same night... she wasn’t going to let anything stop her from enjoying life. Kyler Hoffman

My Grandma Betty has taught me many things over the last 32 years. I feel that the most important advice she ever gave me was to always go after what I want, to be persistent, and to never ever give up. She was a great living example of this up until the very end- determined to enjoy life to the fullest despite her illness. This is something that I will never forget about her and a quality that I hope to pass on to my children. Kaitlyn Nigro

My Grandma was a woman of many stories, and in each of her stories she showed a various traits and characteristics that were important to her in life. Whether it be the story about standing in a machine line teaching the fellow employees how to be productive and keep a good work ethic. Or the clever way she thought others to work with a tempo, and rhythm. She was also known for her spontaneous toasts, cheers, always being sure to get sentimental and tell everybody how much she loved them and was proud of each of her, grandchildren, children, and family blood line. Grandma Betty was a great cook, a social, limelight and the best grandmother A guy could ask for. Here is to the many long-lived years, spent with the ones we love, and the faith in God and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Rest in Peace Grandma Betty, you were the BEST! Karl Hoffman

Betty came into our lives in the winter of 1976. I was 6-months pregnant with twins, had just moved into our new home, and was prescribed complete bedrest to discourage a premature delivery. With our parents and siblings living 1,000 miles away and my husband John working an hour away, we were in desperate need of help. My advertisement in the local Riverwoods-Lincolnshire newspaper brought Betty to our doorstep. Her twinkling blue eyes, contagious smile, and boundless energy were just what the doctor ordered! Betty got our new home in ship shape, made sure I was well fed, drove me to appointments, and helped set up the nursery for our babies-in-waiting. When our twin daughters, Brooke and Jessica, arrived, Betty was one of our very first phone calls. And, when we returned home with these tiny bundles that John and I had absolutely NO idea how to care for, she showed us the way. Two years later, our son Luke arrived. And, Betty's love and energy expanded to help care for him, too. For 23 years, Betty was our family's "Other Mother." The love went both ways. A few months ago, on a perfect Summer day, we all had a chance to reconnect. Though her boundless energy was contained by a wheelchair, Betty's twinkling blue eyes and contagious smile shone brightly. It was a magical moment when we relived some of the many memories we shared and showered her with the affection and gratitude that filled our hearts. As Betty was a blessing to her own family, she was a blessing to ours. May she rest in peace, knowing that she loved and was loved.Fondly,The Bakalar Family

So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. What a blessing she has been and what a comfort knowing she is with our Lord. May Christ comfort and keep you during this difficult time. Love in Christ. Matt Hipper