Betty D. Becke

Betty Dawn Becke, age 93 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026 at Liberty Village of Freeport. She was born in Mount Carroll, Illinois on September 27, 1932, the daughter of the late Charles and Edith (Bere) Vincent.

She was a graduate of Freeport High School. Betty married Robert Becke, Sr. on August 28, 1955 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Freeport, where they were both very active members for over 50 years. Betty served as a Sunday School teacher, as well as in the Fidelis Circle and Altar Guild. They then joined St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lena, IL, where they were involved in several ministries, including visiting shut-ins and working at the Thrift Shop and Friendship Center in Lena, which they both enjoyed.

She worked at the Freeport Journal Standard for many years. She enjoyed her family, tending her flowers, Bunco and Euchre with her friends, and just being social.

While living at the Lena Retreat Center, she was the “hook up” for scratch-off lottery tickets – she would always ask whoever took her shopping, etc. to stop so she could carefully choose the tickets for the other residents (and of course herself!). She also spoiled the other residents with treats – donuts, candy, cookies - and they loved her for it!

Betty was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. She was treasured by all who knew her for her joyful heart, cheerful smile, and contagious laugh. She touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing her. Her selflessness, warmth, generous spirit, and unwavering faith in God will be remembered.

Thank you to those who took such great care of her at Mercy Health and Liberty Village of Freeport; many of the CNAs shared that they had a special place in their hearts for this lovely lady. Also, thanks to Michelle Stubbe of Walker Mortuary for all of the help provided.

She is survived by her sons, Robert F. (Candy) Becke, Jr. of Freeport and Timothy (Donna) Becke of Lincoln, IL; daughter, Sheila (Greg) Miller of Freeport; grandchildren Breanna Becke, Blake (Madi) Becke, and Kayla Miller; great grandchildren Briggs and Briar Becke and Genevieve Price; brother-in law Gary Pfeiffer, sisters-in-law Bernice Vincent and Dee Vincent, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Robert Becke, Sr.; brothers Frank, Edwin, Richard, Gerald, and James; and sisters Lois and Pamela.

Visitation is to be held at Walker Mortuary in Freeport at 10 am Thursday, August 27, with services to follow at 11 am. Pastor Rick Bader of St. John’s Church in Lena will officiate. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill. A luncheon will be held at the Beltline Café in Freeport at 1 pm.

A Memorial Fund will be established to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Fund and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lena.