Betty Ruth Voytko

Betty Ruth Voytko, 96, of Streator, passed away peacefully on Monday, 9 March 2026 at The Arc of Streator.

Betty was born on May 30, 1929, in Channahon, Illinois, to Raymond E. and Domenica “Minnie” (Calusio) Hulbert.

She is survived by son John (Heidi) Coop of Oswego, daughters Lynette (Paul) Wilson of California, Robbie (Richard Berg) Voytko of Germantown Hills, and Betty R. Groom of New York.

She is also survived by 15 Grandchildren: Heather, Haley, Arthur, Kelly, Matthew, Sarah, Nicole, Angie, Cody, Tony, Joshua, Aleesha, Cameron, Francesca, Jeanne and 16 Great Grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, son, Frank A. Coop, daughter, Jeanne M. Conner, and son-in-law, Joseph J. Conner, one grandson, Ben Simpson, along with 3 brothers, Raymond J. Hulbert, Frank Hulbert, Clinton L. Hulbert, and 2 sisters, Teresa R. Crawford and Charlene M. Johnson.

Betty grew up in Channahon where she loved roller skating, helping her dad run the cash register at his general store, and playing with her siblings and friends. She loved celebrity magazines and collected Dixie Ice Cream Cup lids with actresses’ pictures in order to try to replicate their hairstyles and make-up. She attended Minooka High School and developed a love for singing, often performing in school minstrels and plays. She was a naturally gifted musician, like her father, and learned the organ by ear. She also excelled in academics and graduated with honors.

In 1963, Betty moved to Streator. She was a homemaker for many years and later became a Certified Nursing Assistant. Again, she excelled in school.

Betty’s family was the light of her life, which is why her greatest joy was spending time with them. She loved having everyone over for large gatherings like birthdays and holidays. Her Thanksgiving dressing and Christmas fudge were second to none.

Once Betty’s children had all left home, one of her greatest joys was traveling to see them and joining them on vacations. Her most memorable trip was visiting the town her mother was born in Northern Italy. One of her favorite places to travel was to the ocean where she loved to sit and bask in the warm sun with a good book: Betty was an avid reader.

While at home, Betty enjoyed gardening, particularly growing flowers. She also liked cooking and was known to come up with her own recipes.

Betty was warm and welcoming. Her children’s friends often called her “Ma,” and her daughters’ called her a baby magnet because children were drawn to her.

She will be remembered by family and friends as a kind, loving person who loved to laugh and was incredibly generous.

“Today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

Memorials may be made to St. Judes’ Children’s Research Hospital.

Private family services will be held at The Winterowd Funeral Home.