Betty Whitney-Behling

BETTY JEAN NELSON WHITNEY-BEHLING ROCKFORD - Betty Jean Nelson Whitney-Behling of Rockford passed away Thursday, March 6, 2014, in Rockford Memorial Hospital. She was born June 10, 1930, in Orfordville, WI; the daughter of Henry and Anna Nelson. Graduate of Hononegah High School, Class of 48. She married Donald A. Whitney in Old Stone Church on November 5, 1948; he predeceased her in 2007. She then married William Behling on November 3, 2012; he predeceased her in 2013. Betty worked at Pierce Laminated Products for 9 years as the General Manager. She then worked for Brookside Medical for 10 years in accounts payable, and then as the secretary for Faith United Lutheran Church in Rockford for over 15 years. She was a member of United Lutheran Church. Betty was an avid cribbage and Cubs fan. She was devoted to her church, her family and her friends, and was always her grandchildren's biggest fan. Survivors include her 3 children, Barbara Nelson of Rockford, Michael Whitney of Las Vegas, NV and Katherine (Gary) Johnson of Machesney Park; grandchildren, Lisa (Craig) Kuehne of Machesney Park, Angela (Mike) Spray of Rockford and Michelle Johnson (Mike Butzlaff) of Madison; great- grandchildren, Devynn, Alyssa, Alexis, Tara; brother, Charles (Shirley) Nelson of West Palm Beach, FL; stepchildren, Donald (Marie) Behling, David (Char) Behling and Diane (Butch) Sowinski; seven step-grandchildren; 8 step-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents; husbands, Donald Whitney and William Behling; sister, Marie Starr; and two brothers, Roger and Dean Nelson. Funeral services at 11 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2014, in United Lutheran Church, 3630 N. Rockton Ave, Rockford, IL, with Pastor Krista Zimmerman officiating. Burial in Floral Lawn Cemetery. Visitation from 1 until 3 p.m. Sunday, March 9, 2014, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Visitation also from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Monday in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to United Lutheran Church, 3630 Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.