Betty Jean Marston Blake

Betty Jean Marston Blake, 93, of Rockford, formerly of Belvidere, passed away at home after a short illness, Wednesday, November 19, 2014. Born, January 4, 1921 in Hubbard, MN, to Robert and Nellie Marston, Betty grew up in Rockford, graduated from Rockford Central High School in 1939, and later received her associate degree from Rock Valley College. On March 20, 1943, she married Robert George Blake. Betty worked at Barber-Coleman in Rockford, also as secretary in the Belvidere School District, and as an administrative secretary at Rock Valley College. Betty loved her family, singing, flowers, and reading. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. Betty kept her sense of humor until the end. She is survived by four children, Robert (Janet) of Sawyer, MI, Mary Lou Schleeter of Peoria, IL, Barbara (Tim) Fitch of Belvidere, and Elizabeth Ann (Cary) Winn of Racine, WI; nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; nieces, Bobbe Marston and Becky Stansil; and nephew, Rob Allen Marston. Betty is preceded in death by her husband Robert in 1987, her parents, her brothers, Alan, Wendell, and Donald Marston; and two children, Nancy Ellen and David Michael Blake. Betty’s family would like to express a heartfelt thank you for the support of all her friends at Our Masters United Methodist and to the Comfort Keepers of Rockford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Betty’s memory to OSF Hospice or to Christ United Methodist Church, Our Master’s Center. Funeral service will be Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 11 a.m., at Christ United Methodist Church, Our Master’s Center, 5973 Darlene Dr., Rockford, IL, 61109. Visitation will be Saturday, November 29, 2014, from 10 a.m. until time of service. Funeral arrangements cared for by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108. To express condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com