Betty L. Hlavka

Betty L. Hlavka, 101, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on November 23, 2018. She was born October 18, 1917 to J. Bert and Blanche (Whittall) Woodruff. Betty graduated from Rockford High School in 1935 and from Rockford Hospital School of Nursing in 1939. She loved her nursing career, working both at Rockford Hospital and later for Dr. Wm. K Ford, dermatologist. She married Jack Taylor in 1940; they later divorced. In 1974, she married Harold Hlavka. They enjoyed living in both Florida and Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for many years. After returning to Rockford in the early 1990s, Betty volunteered for several years with first graders at Bloom School (who may remember her as Grandma B.). Among her family and friends she was known for her decorating, hostessing, her signature red clogs, and her fondness for pigs. She stayed active through her 90s attending services at Third Presbyterian Church, gardening, bird watching, reading, and briefly taking up the cello.

Betty’s biggest joy in life was her family, whom she loved dearly. She is survived by children Susan (Chuck) Gustafson, Joel (Ann) Taylor; grandchildren Kate Gustafson, Erin Taylor (Don Berry), Patrick Taylor, Megan (David) Gillette, and Elizabeth White; great grandchildren Eliza and Ruby Taylor-Berry; step-daughters Diane (Bruce) Garnett, Coral (Bob, decd) Baran, their children and grandchildren; sister-in-law Madeline Woodruff; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband, Harold; daughter, Lisa White; and brothers, William and Robert Woodruff.

The family would like to thank the staff at Wesley Willows and Northern Illinois Hospice who lovingly cared for Betty.

Private services for family will be at a later date. Memorials in Betty’s name may be sent to Wesley Willows Good Samaritan Fund, 4141 North Rockton Rd. Rockford, IL 61103, or Rockford Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 1958, Rockford, IL. 61110-0458.