The lovely Betty June Austin, 90, of Streator died peacefully with her family by her side on December 4, 2023  at the Arc in Streator where she had been a resident. Funeral services will be at 11:30 A.M. Saturday, December 9th at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator.

  Visitation will be from 9-11:30 A.M. Saturday, December 9th at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator.

  Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.  Private burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Streator, at a later date.

  Born May 29, 1933 in rural Cedar County, Iowa.  She was the daughter of Gifford and Frances (Kamberling) Hansen.  She married Kenneth Austin on December 2, 1950. He preceded her in death on December 21, 1990

  She is survived by daughters, Julie Schmitz and Robin Austin. Sons, John (Babs) Austin, and Ronald (Sandy) Austin all of Streator. Grandchildren: Samantha, Joshua (Brianne), Danielle (Jon), Brent (Jen), Aaron (Ashley), Stephanie (Chris), Sara, Brooke, Lindsay (Noah), David, Kenneth, Shelby (Larry), Dylan and twenty great-grandchildren, with two on the way. A sister, Shirley Reinert of Marion, IA; brother, Glen (Geri) Hansen of Anamosa, IA; Sister-in-law Rosie Austin, of Anamosa, IA; Aunt Gwendolyn “Gwen” Bulger of Mechanicsville, IA; daughter-in-law, Jill Austin of Metamora and many loving nieces and nephews.

  Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; their third son, Donald “Weiner” Austin; son-in-law Kurt Schmitz, and a brother, Robert Hansen.

  She was born and raised in rural Iowa. She graduated from Morley High School, a place where she excelled in her studies and helped to lead the girl’s basketball team to win a regional championship. 

  She married her sweetheart Kenny in a church parsonage with her sister and best friend, Beverly by her side.

  Raised in a farming family, Betty was used to hard work. She told stories of driving the equipment and looking after the livestock.  Once married with a family of her own, they would visit the farm “over home” on weekends. Betty was baptized a Methodist while living in Savanna, IL. She moved to Streator in 1970.

  She was a dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, homemaker and gardener. Betty spent most of her life as a homemaker until she was widowed, then found employment at Heritage Manor Nursing home. A place where Betty made new friends, worked with purpose, and where she was complimented regularly for her work ethic and kindness towards others. As a grandmother, she was a loving caregiver who spoiled her grandchildren with fruit rollups, freezer pops, and pizza rolls.

  Betty enjoyed reading books, playing cards (and winning against her grandchildren), completing word puzzles, the music of Vince Gill, gardening, and going to her children's and grandchildren's sporting events. Rain or shine. She was the best score-keeper. She was our biggest fan. She was generous. She was the best.

  Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association.

  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com