Gertrude E. “Betty” Swanson-Henry 90, of Albany, IL, died peacefully at Resthave Nursing Home in Morrison, IL, on Saturday, May 26, 2018, after a long- and well-lived life.
Betty was born on July 8, 1927, in Albany, to Lambert and Martha (Gunnink) Lyzenga. She was educated in the Albany Grade School and attended Albany High School. She first married John Swanson in Albany; he died on April 6, 1967. She then married Harold Henry in Albany; he died on February 2, 1988. Betty was retired from General Electric in Morrison. She was a member of Albany United Methodist Church where she was very active, having served on most all of the committees. She was a charter member of the Albany American Legion Auxiliary, serving for more than 70 years. She was a member and Past President of the GEM Club, and also volunteered at many charitable organizations in the local area. Betty was an avid quilter and seamstress. She enjoyed playing cards and also taking trips, having traveled extensively through the United States and Europe.
Survivors include two daughters, Becky (Gary) Hovey of Albany and Nancy (Jerry) Stevens of Morrison; one son, Chuck (Odetta) Swanson of Albany; six grandchildren, Melissa (Brian) Schipper, Tricia (Steve) Kane, Christopher (Lacey) Stevens, Derek Stevens, Curtis (Theresa) Swanson, and Jill Underwood; four great-grandchildren, Brett and Collin Schipper, Mariah and Kendra Underwood; several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers, Gilbert (Grace) Lyzenga of Dyer, IN, and Marvin (Nancy) Lyzenga of Schererville, IN; one sister-in-law, Bonnie Lyzenga of Bradenton, FL.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; first husband John Swanson; second husband Harold Henry; two sisters, Eunice Balk and Ann Marion; two brothers, Franklin and Richard Lyzenga.
Betty’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at the Albany United Methodist Church, with Rev. Toni Lucas officiating.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home in Fulton, IL.
Interment will be in Lusk Memorial Cemetery in Albany, IL.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to the Albany United Methodist Church or the Albany Ambulance Service.
To send online condolences go to www.bosmarenkes.com.