Betty Ann Gard

1935 - 2023

Betty Ann Gard
Born: August 23, 1935 in Geneva, IL
Died: October 21, 2023 in Ottawa, IL
Betty Ann Gard, 88 of Mendota passed away unexpectedly on October 21 at OSF St. Elizabeth Hospital. Visitation will be Wednesday October 25 from 5PM to 7PM with the rosary recited at 5 all in Wasmer Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be October 26 at 10:30 in Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rev. Jeff Windy officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Betty was born August 23, 1935, in Geneva to Arthur and Kathryn (Geiken) Lootens. She graduated from West Chicago High School in 1953. On June 25, 1960, she married the love of her life, James H. Gard in West Chicago.
During her work career she had a variety of different jobs, including Richelieu Pickle Factory of West Chicago, Hotpoint Appliances of Cicero, and locally at Classon's grocery, Schimmer Pontiac, The Mendota Reporter and Gish Jewelry, which she retired from in 2000.
Betty was very active in her community. She was a member of Holy Cross Church, formerly served the parish as a " Distributor of the Eucharist", St. Mary's Altar and Rosary Society in which she served as Treasurer for 2 years and as President. She served as past President of Holy Cross Parents Club, past Den Mother for Cub Scout Pack 4102, B.S.A. Betty was an avid bowler at the Elks, and accompanied her husband Jim to watch all the kids and grandkids in all their extracurricular activities. She and Jim enjoyed traveling together. At home Betty loved knitting, sewing, ceramics, and crosswords. Betty was a breast cancer survivor.
She will be forever missed by her daughter, Patricia (Kyle) Kim of Mendota, two sons: John (Linda) Gard of Utica, Brian Gard of Mendota, 6 grandchildren: John Gard Jr., Christopher Gard, Nathaniel Kim, Allyson Kim, Allen Gard, Gabrielle Gard, and brother James (Janet) Lootens of West Chicago. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim 11/8/22, and sister Nancy Heyden.
Memorials may be directed to Holy Cross School, St. Mary's Altar and Rosary Society or Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. Condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.